Evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Malibu in anticipation of additional rain today.
Officials began door to door notifications Monday night and the orders were in place as of 8 a.m. Tuesday for properties in Corral Canyon / El Nido, Escondido / Old Chimney, Escondido Drive / Latigo Canyon, Malibu West / Trancas Canyon, Malibou Lake, all of Ramirez Canyon Road and adjacent streets, Paradise Cove Mobile Home Park & Restaurant.
“The areas identified above are at high risk for potential mud and debris flow. These properties are adjacent to steep slopes or are located at the base of drainage areas,” said the evacuation order from the Sheriff’s Department. “Not all properties may be directly affected by mud and debris flow, however all roads in the area are subject to closure and residents may have limited access in and around the evacuated communities.”
County officials said evacuation centers are open at Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, 27040 Malibu Hills Road and Santa Monica High School-South Gym, 601 Pico Boulevard. Large animal evacuation centers have been established at Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Avenue in Woodland Hills and the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center, 11127 Orcas Avenue in Lakeview Terrace.
According to LASD, patrols have been established to monitor evacuated neighborhoods for looting and to ensure public safety.
SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati said schools would be closed Tuesday and additional closure decisions would be made day by day.
“Our schools are safe. We are working in coordination with local authorities and the city to ensure our families remain together and flexible to evacuate and minimize time on the roads,” he said. “We are fully aware of the educational needs of our students and the number of missed instructional days so far this school year, but at the same time the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We continue to monitor the situation and we are in touch with the City of Malibu, along with other local agencies.”
Officials said anyone in the Woolsey Fire area could be subject to future evacuations and said there were additional warnings for other residents that fell short of mandatory evacuations including:
Communities in low-lying areas or next to steep slopes or waterways are particularly at-risk of falling debris and mud flow.
Residents living in homes with limited roadway access or that can become isolated for an extended period due to the storm should consider leaving before storms arrive.
Homes or neighborhoods with gates should consider leaving them open to avoid being trapped due to mud flow accumulation; even one-inch of mud can restrict gate operations.
If your property becomes unsafe and there is no time to evacuate, seek safe high- ground.
Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water.
Since all canyon roads may be blocked and subject to closure for extended periods, residents should have enough food, water, medication and supplies for at least 7 to 10 days for all family members, including pets and large animals.
For additional resources and evacuation information visit //lacounty.gov/LARain and follow #LARain and #WoolseyFire on social media feeds.
