Red Flag Warning – October 18-19, 2024

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The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas, and other areas of Los Angeles County for Friday, October 18, 2024 at 8 AM to Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 8 PM due to hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH.

As this is the first Red Flag warning of the year, University officials wanted to take this opportunity to inform the community about what they are and remind everyone of Pepperdine’s’ Shelter-In-Place plans in the event of a wildfire impacting the Malibu Campus. 

Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service identify time periods when conditions are ideal for wildfires. During Red Flag warnings it is especially important to:

  • Report any signs of smoke or flames immediately to emergency responders. If on the Malibu campus, call Public Safety at 310.506.4441. At all other locations report smoke/flames by calling 911;
  • Remember Pepperdine is a smoke free campus; in all other locations, use caution when disposing of cigarettes and ensure that they are completely extinguished. 
  • Minimize any use of open flame in outdoor settings; and
  • Consider taking down umbrellas and moving patio furniture inside.

During Red Flag conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) may issue a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a preemptive deenergization of electrical circuits in an attempt to prevent power lines from starting a potential wildfire. This may result in the temporary loss of power for a Pepperdine campus. Further details on a PSPS and how you can prepare are available here. 

The EOC is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to potential wildfires. In the event of a wildfire near the Malibu Campus, University officials are prepared to activate the Shelter-In-Place protocol, whereby the Pepperdine community remains on campus in a few centralized buildings, where shelter, food, water, and counseling and medical services are available. This plan is approved annually by the LA County Fire Department and has proven historically safe and useful to Pepperdine in past wildfires. 

Additional information regarding Red Flag Warnings and Pepperdine’s wildfire response plans is available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.

This entry was posted in Calabasas, Malibu.