Red Flag Warning

Posted on October 8, 2019, 5:00 PM

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Malibu beginning Thursday (10/10/19) at 3 AM through Friday (10/11/19) at 6 PM. Winds along the coast are expected to be 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH. The strongest winds are predicted to be Thursday mid-morning through Thursday mid-afternoon. Humidity is predicted to be 3-10%.

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 immediately to emergency responders. If on the Malibu campus call Public Safety at 310.506.4441. At all other locations report smoke by calling 911.
• Use caution when disposing of cigarettes and ensure that they are completely extinguished.
• Minimize any use of open flame in outdoor settings.

Pepperdine Public Safety is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to potential wildfires. Additional information regarding Red Flag warnings and Pepperdine’s wildfire response plans is available on the University’s Emergency Information Page and in the Emergency Preparedness Guide found in WaveNet.

Mountain Lion Sighting on Malibu Campus

Posted on September 25, 2019, 8:49 AM

Public Safety officers spotted three mountain lions early this morning at approximately 4:30 AM near Anacapa Lane of the Drescher Student Apartments. The three lions appeared to be a mother and two cubs. The sighting was reported to the local sheriff’s department and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Public Safety officers observed the lions as they left campus and headed up the hillside west of Chapparal Circle and continued to move away from campus. 

Pepperdine officials share confirmed mountain lion sightings near the Malibu campus to ensure the University community is informed of, but not alarmed by, the wildlife with whom we share the Santa Monica Mountains.  

Please remember:

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone, especially from dusk until dawn when mountain lions are most active.
• Remember Public Safety security escorts are available on the Malibu campus 24/7 by calling Public Safety Dispatch at (310) 506-4442.
• If you see a mountain lion on or near the Malibu campus, please report the incident to Public Safety at (310) 506-4441.
  • If safe to do so, please take a picture and/or video and send it to Public Safety via the LiveSafe app.

As a reminder, if you encounter a mountain lion:

• Respect the animal.
• Maintain eye contact and move away slowly.
• Do NOT run. Running will trigger the mountain lion’s instinct to chase you.
• Appear as large, loud, and powerful as possible.
• If there are small children or pets present, pick them up immediately. Additionally do NOT leave them unattended outside.
• Do not approach the mountain lion; leave space for the cat to escape.
• In the unlikely event of an attack, fight back. Do not fall to the ground or roll into the fetal position.

Pepperdine Monitoring Sweetwater Fire – Final Update

Posted on August 30, 2019, 2:08 PM Updated on August 30, 2019, 2:10 PM

The University continues to monitor the Sweetwater Fire. Fire officials are in the final stages of containment. Ground crews will remain onsite to address any remaining hot spots. All roads surrounding the Malibu campus remain open, and campus operations remain normal. 

Unless conditions materially change, this will be the University’s final update on the Sweetwater Fire. 

Please be advised of the following:

• Road condition information is available on the University’s Road Condition hotline at 310.506.ROAD (7623).
• The latest information from Pepperdine’s EOC is also available on the University’s Emergency Information Page or Emergency Recorded Message line (888.286.5659).