Red Flag Warning Update

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes remains on high alert monitoring dangerous fire weather conditions impacting Southern California. Our hearts go out to all those throughout the region who have been impacted by destructive, wind-fueled wildfires. 

City staff is in close contact with the other Peninsula cities and our public safety partners, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department continues to proactively patrol the Peninsula. We thank our first responders for keeping our communities safe. 

Do your part to reduce fire risk. Avoid activities that could generate sparks, such as using power tools or machinery, and postpone outdoor burning during high-risk periods (check aqmd.gov/advisory to learn when a mandatory no burn day alert is issued). Limit grass mowing and landscaping activities, especially on dry, windy days. Construction work involving heat or sparks should be avoided, and proper safety measures, like having fire extinguishers on hand, should always be in place. Refrain from smoking outdoors, as it can easily ignite dry vegetation, and stay informed about current fire weather conditions and restrictions to ensure compliance with safety guidelines. 

Key Health Recommendations

1. If you see or smell smoke, stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities, both indoors and outdoors.
2. Keep indoor spaces clean by closing windows and doors. Use air conditioners that recirculate indoor air and consider using HEPA filters.
3. If you experience symptoms such as severe coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue, call 9-1-1 or consult a healthcare provider immediately.
4. Avoid vigorous physical activity.
5. If you must be outside, a properly fit N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection.

The fire and weather conditions may result in localized power outages. 

Please take steps to prepare:

1. Charge essential devices (phones, laptops, medical equipment) now.
2. Stock up on batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food.
3. Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers to preserve food if power goes out.
4. For medical needs requiring electricity, have a backup plan ready.
5. Visit https://www.sce.com/outage-center/check-outage-status for outage information or to report downed power lines.  

Additional Resources

For real-time air quality updates, visit the South Coast AQMD website at https://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/air-quality-forecasts or download its mobile app.

Air quality conditions may change rapidly based on fire activity and weather. Download the South Coast AQMD app or visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap for real-time updates.

Stay safe and take precautions. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Know Your Emergency Terms

During an emergency, it's crucial to understand and follow directions from public safety officials. Familiarize yourself with these key terms to ensure you respond appropriately:

Advisory: An advisory is a notification about a potential hazard or situation that may require your attention. While not as urgent as warnings or orders, advisories should be closely monitored.

Shelter in Place: If authorities tell you to shelter in place, it means you need to go indoors. Shut and lock doors and windows. Prepare to self-sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction.

Evacuation Warning: If you receive an evacuation warning, this means you need to start preparing to leave. If you have animals, children, or need additional time evacuating, this is the time to leave.

Evacuation Order: If you receive an evacuation order, this means you need to leave immediately. Emergency responders have determined there is an imminent life safety risk and you need to evacuate. 

Always remember, you don’t have to wait to evacuate. If you feel unsafe, LEAVE.

Palos Verdes Nature Preserve Temporarily Closed

Due to high winds and critical fire weather conditions, the City has temporarily closed the entire Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and Abalone Cove Park until further notice. For updates, please check: rpvca.gov/trailalerts or call the Open Space and Trails Division at 310-491-5775. 

Stay Ready, RPV

• Plan Ahead: Keep your mobile phone and other devices charged with the ringer on so you can receive and hear emergency alerts throughout the day and night. Have working flashlights for all family members ready and within reach. 
• Know Your Zone: Get to know the Peninsula's evacuation readiness platform at PVPready.gov. Find your zone, write it down, and keep it somewhere that’s easy to find in an emergency. During an emergency, such as a wildfire, the website will show which zones are under evacuation the moment an order is issued by authorities.
• Be Evacuation Ready: Prepare your family and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate. Park your vehicle in the driveway (to avoid being stuck behind an electricity-operated garage door) and facing the street so that you do not have to back out. For tips on making an evacuation plan and what to include in your family's emergency kit, download the L.A. County Fire Department’s “Ready! Set! Go!” Personal Wildfire Action Plan at fire.lacounty.gov/rsg. An Equine Emergency Resources Booklet (PDF) is available on the City website.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for Alert SouthBay emergency alerts by texting "alertrpv" to 888-777 or by going to alertsouthbay.com. Watch local newscasts and have a battery-operated radio handy so that you can access news if the power goes out.