Shelter in Place Lifted (Update #4)

Posted on December 10, 2024, 7:29 AM

After assessing campus conditions at daybreak, the EOC is lifting the shelter-in-place protocol. Campus conditions are safe for members of the community to return to student residences and on-campus homes. The community is strongly encouraged to remain on campus and stay off Malibu roads as first responders continue to respond to the Franklin fire, which continues to threaten Malibu. Additionally, be aware of ongoing fire suppression efforts on campus, and limit driving on campus to allow first responders easy access to spot fires which continue to flare up around campus. 

Power remains out for much of the campus and Malibu area – avoid using elevators. The red flag warning continues as gusty winds remain. If conditions worsen, we may have to reinstitute our shelter-in-place protocols.  

Area roads remain impacted by the fire, including:

• Malibu Canyon Road remains closed from Mulholland Drive to PCH; 
• PCH is closed from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to Kanan Dume Road; 
• PCH westbound from John Tyler is open, but any vehicle that leaves campus in that direction will not be able to return as PCH is closed eastbound; and
• Topanga Canyon Boulevard, which is closed to all but local traffic.

Shelter in Place Update #2

Posted on December 10, 2024, 3:38 AM

The EOC understands the worst of the fire has pushed past Pepperdine. However, there are smaller spot fires on campus that are not threatening life or structures, and fire resources remain on campus to address these spot fires as they occur. Additionally, power remains out for much of Malibu and therefore, to ensure the safety of our community, we will maintain the shelter-in-place protocol until at least daylight. The EOC will continue to update the community.

Text Update- Pepp Alert – EOC reports the worst of the fire is past Pepperdine. However, shelter in place remains in effect for campus community. 

Shelter in Place Update #1

Posted on December 10, 2024, 2:36 AM

Normal operations on the Malibu Campus are suspended for Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This includes canceling classes and finals for the day. Critical support personnel should connect with their supervisors about whether they are needed to physically report to the Malibu campus for their regular work shift. All other staff should connect with their supervisors and work remotely if possible. 

The Pepperdine community continues to shelter in place in Payson Library and the Tyler Campus Center. The Franklin fire has grown to 814 acres and flames are visible from the Malibu campus. There are numerous LA County Fire Department engines on campus and their helicopters are using the lakes in Alumni Park to pick up water to drop on the fire from above. 

Reminder of Pepperdine’s Shelter in Place Protocols

Posted on December 10, 2024, 12:29 AM

The University has NOT yet activated its shelter in place plans. During wildfires impacting the Malibu Campus the EOC may activate its shelter in place. If the University community needs to shelter in place, the EOC will activate this protocol via Everbridge – you would receive a message in the same way you are receiving this preparatory message. It would direct you to the Tyler Campus Center (TCC) and Payson Library. Community members on the Malibu campus may want to be ready to move quickly if needed. While Malibu City may issue instructions, including evacuation orders, the Pepperdine community should follow University instruction. More info to follow.