US Campuses
Shelter in Place Update #1
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
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.
Pepperdine Monitoring The Franklin Fire in Malibu Canyon
University officials are monitoring the Franklin Fire in Malibu Canyon, south of Piuma. Fire officials are considering closing Malibu Canyon Road and have indicated the 30 acre fire currently has the potential to grow to 100 acres but is not currently threatening any structures.
The fire is not currently affecting any University campus. The Malibu Campus and local area may experience some power outages related to this incident.
Red Flag Warning – December 9-11, 2024
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for Monday, December 9, 2024 at 2 PM to Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 2 PM due to strong Santa Ana winds with widespread gusts of 40-55 MPH and isolated gusts of 55-65 MPH. Additionally, humidity levels are expected to lower to approximately 15% or less and may remain at these low levels into Wednesday.
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.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
You must be logged in to post a comment.