Latest Event Updates
Wildfire and Public Safety Power Shutoff Preparedness
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties from 4 AM on Wednesday until 6 PM on Thursday. The forecast weather includes Santa Ana winds of 45-60 MPH, with gusts up to 60-80 MPH in the mountains and foothills, and humidity levels of 8-15 percent by Wednesday afternoon. Based on this forecast, the University is preparing the Malibu campus accordingly. You may see things like the removal of umbrellas and patio furniture this afternoon among other preparations. Additionally, remember to drive safely, watch for blown debris, and approach non-functional traffic lights as all way stop signs.
All classes and normal operations on all southern California campuses are expected to continue this week. Pepperdine’s Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) is closely monitoring the situation and, if conditions change, will communicate with the Pepperdine community with additional information and instructions. Be mindful of impacts to campus events, many of which may need to move inside, and check with event planners for details.
During Red Flag conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) may implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a preemptive power outage in an effort to prevent starting a wildfire. This may result in the temporary loss of power for a Pepperdine campus. More information on PSPS and preparation tips can be found here.
In the event of a wildfire, the Pepperdine EOC may activate the University’s Shelter-In-Place plans for the Malibu campus, in which the Pepperdine community stays on campus in designated buildings equipped with shelter, food, water, and medical and counseling services. This plan, approved annually by the LA County Fire Department, has effectively protected the Pepperdine community during past wildfires.
For further information on Red Flag Warnings and Pepperdine’s wildfire response plans, please visit the University’s Emergency Information Page.
Red Flag Warning – November 6-7, 2024
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 4 AM to Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6 PM due to strong Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 60-80 MPH in the mountains and foothills and widespread guests of 45-60 MPH. Additionally, humidity levels are expected to lower to 8-15% by Wednesday afternoon and may remain at these low levels into Thursday.
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.
Red Flag Warning – November 3-4, 2024
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Santa Monica Mountains, and other areas of Los Angeles County for Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 7 PM to Monday, November 4, 2024 at 6 PM due to hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds of 15-30 MPH with gusts up to 40-50 MPH.
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.
Scam Alert for the Pepperdine Community
As reported recently in the news, there are scams targeting parents of college students nationwide and even here at Pepperdine. With the intent to convince people to send money, scammers are contacting parents with fabricated stories, for example, claiming their loved one has been arrested for public intoxication, involved in a car accident, has injured someone, or worse. In some cases, the scammers may impersonate university officials or use technology such as deepfake audio that mimics the loved one’s voice to pressure parents into sending money to “resolve” the situation.
The scammers often use public social media profiles of students and information publicly available on any university website–like student-athlete rosters, fine arts program schedules, and staff names–for their nefarious purposes.
We want to alert you to this activity and encourage you to remain vigilant against scams that use emotional manipulation to coerce victims into transferring money. If you receive a call or message with these or similar tactics, do not provide any information or money. Instead, consider asking questions that would expose the caller’s lack of actual knowledge about your loved one, attempt to obtain the person’s contact information to share with others and law enforcement, and end the call. Contact your loved one directly to confirm their safety and situation.
If you believe you have been targeted by such a scam, contact your local law enforcement, warn your family members so they can avoid falling victim, and report the incident to Pepperdine’s Department of Public Safety at 310.506.4442 or dispatch@pepperdine.edu.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
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