Calabasas

Monitoring Palisades Wildfire – Update #4

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University officials continue to monitor the Palisades Fire which is now approximately five miles east of the Malibu campus and has burned more than 2,900 acres. While the fire is not currently a threat to campus, flames are now visible from the campus.

As the fire moves westward and approaches the burn scar from the Franklin Fire, fuel for the fire will significantly decrease. However, if the fire threatens the Malibu Campus, the EOC may activate its shelter in place protocol via an Everbridge message to the community. If the University community needs to shelter in place, you will be directed to the Tyler Campus Center (TCC) and/or Payson Library. While Malibu City may issue instructions, including evacuation orders, the Pepperdine community should follow University instruction.

This entry was posted in Calabasas, Malibu.

Monitoring Palisades Wildfire – Update #3

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University officials continue to monitor the Palisades Fire, which is approximately 7 miles east of the Malibu campus and has burned more than 1,200 acres. The fire is not a threat to campus.

Normal operations are expected to continue at all of Pepperdine’s Southern California Campuses throughout the week. 

However, during Red Flag conditions and wildfires in the Malibu area, Southern California Edison has initiated preventative power shutoffs for various power circuits in Malibu, and has indicated it is possible that they may do so for Pepperdine’s Malibu and Calabasas campuses tonight. 

The Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) will provide an update regarding campus operations by 6:00 AM on Wednesday. If there is power, this message will be emailed and posted on the Emergency Information Page. If the power is out, this message will be communicated via Everbridge, posted on the Emergency Information Page, and also posted at the following locations on campus: 

  • Main doors to the Lighthouse in the Tyler Campus Center
  • Main doors to the Caruso School of Law
  • Pier 18 Package Lockers adjacent to Banowsky Hall
  • Main doors to the Villa Executive Center

Employees who live in the areas impacted by the Palisades Fire, or have children whose schools are impacted, should work with their supervisors to adjust work schedules to attend to family or home needs. Critical support personnel should check in with their supervisors regarding plans for the remainder of the week. 

Road closures continue to be fluid and currently include: 

  • PCH is closed southbound at Las Flores and northbound at the McClure Tunnel
  • Topanga remains closed to all except residents
  • The traffic light at Seaver and Malibu Canyon is out. 

As always, employees and students are encouraged to drive slowly and carefully, prioritizing personal safety. High winds can cause downed power lines and trees. Remain informed about conditions for Pepperdine’s Southern California campuses by utilizing the following resources: 

If a wildfire were to impact the Malibu Campus, the EOC may activate its shelter in place protocol. If the University community needs to shelter in place, you will be directed to the Tyler Campus Center (TCC) and/or Payson Library. While Malibu City may issue instructions, including evacuation orders, the Pepperdine community should follow University instruction.

This entry was posted in Calabasas, Malibu.

Red Flag Warning with High Winds

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The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10 AM to Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 6 PM due to sustained Santa Ana winds of 35-50 miles per hour (MPH) and gusts up to 80 MPH accompanied by low relative humidity. The strongest winds are predicted between Tuesday at 10 AM and Wednesday at 6 PM.

Topanga Canyon is closed in both directions to all but local traffic from Mulholland Highway to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and is likely to remain closed throughout the Red Flag Warning.

Normal operations, including classes, will continue on Tuesday and are expected to continue throughout the week at all Southern California Pepperdine campuses. Power outages may be possible, and if they occur, the University will provide additional instructions responsive to the situation.

In the event of an extended power outage, the EOC will regularly post updates at the following locations:

  • Main doors to the Lighthouse in the Tyler Campus Center
  • Main doors to the Caruso School of Law
  • Pier 18 Package Lockers adjacent to Banowsky Hall
  • Main doors to the Villa Executive Center

As always, employees and students are encouraged to drive slowly and carefully, prioritizing personal safety. High winds can cause downed power lines and trees. Remain informed about conditions for Pepperdine’s Southern California campuses by utilizing the following resources: 

Greater Los Angeles road conditions can be viewed online at www.sigalert.com.

This entry was posted in Calabasas, Malibu.

Red Flag Warning – December 16-17, 2024

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The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 3 PM to Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 6 PM due to Santa Ana winds of 20-40 MPH and gusts up to 60 MPH accompanied by low relative humidity.

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.