Malibu

Red Flag Warning with High Winds

Posted on Updated on

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.

Red Flag Warning – December 16-17, 2024

Posted on Updated on

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.

Malibu Canyon is Open

Posted on Updated on

Officials have re-opened Malibu Canyon Road to all traffic. As always, please drive carefully and 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 sigalert.com.

Normal Campus Operations and Malibu Canyon Road Remains Closed

Posted on

The Franklin Fire sits at more than 42% containment and is only smoldering and creeping in some remote areas. The fire is not affecting the Malibu campus. Normal operations will continue tomorrow at all southern California campuses.

Malibu Canyon Road remains closed as repairs and inspections continue to ensure the safety of the roadway following the effects of the fire, and there is currently no estimated time for re-opening the road. All other routes to the Malibu campus are open.

Employees and students are encouraged to remain informed about conditions for Pepperdine’s Southern California campuses by utilizing the following resources: 

  • Malibu Campus Road hotline: 310.506.ROAD (7623) 

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