Wet Weather Preparedness



Each year, LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) prepares Los Angeles residents and businesses for the rainy season, which is October 15 through April 15.

Sign up for emergency and service delay alerts via NotifyLA. In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 for help.

If you need non-emergency assistance regarding rain-related issues, you can reach LA Sanitation & Environment's 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489.
wet weather prep storm collage


LASAN's efforts include:

  • Cleaning all of Los Angeles’ 40,000 catch basins and removing debris that could clog them. LASAN continues to monitor and clean catch basins throughout rainy season.
  • Cleaning the City’s 70 debris basins. Many of these debris basins will receive additional cleanings during the rainy season to keep rainwater flowing and prevent floods.
  • Cleaning drainage channels to allow stormwater to flow properly.
  • Staying in close communication with City departments and LA County personnel to coordinate preparation and response efforts while broadcasting collaborative messages as needed.
  • Dispatching emergency crews throughout the City during severe rains.
  • Receiving customer requests at LASAN’s 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489. ***During rain events, please limit calls to critical and rain-related issues.

How can residents and businesses prepare for rainy season?

  • Check the catch basins at the end of your block to make sure they are clear of debris. Call LASAN's 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 to report clogged catch basins and storm drains.
  • Clean out rain gutters, ensuring that your building/home’s drainage is clear of debris such as trash and leaves.
  • Secure any loose items (e.g. palm fronds, tarps, lightweight furniture, kids toys) that could be carried away by wind or rain.
  • Cover bare slopes on your property that may become unstable when saturated.
  • Use sand bags to protect property in low-lying areas. Contact the Los Angeles Fire Department for a listing of fire stations that have free sand and bags.
  • Familiarize yourself with alternate evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
  • If you use sprinklers, turn them off just before, during and after rain.
  • Create an emergency kit that includes the following items:
    • Food and water to last three days to a week. Don’t forget your pets’ needs.
    • First aid kit and medications (over-the-counter and prescription).
    • Radio, extra batteries and tools (wrench, duct tape, fire extinguisher, sturdy gloves and whistle).
    • Cash and important documents (passports, birth certificates).
    • Clothing, sturdy shoes, sanitation, and hygiene supplies.

What should residents and businesses do during a rain event?

  • Monitor the news closely for information about weather conditions, potential flooding in your area, and safety precautions being advised.
  • Place bins at least 6 inches from the curb, making them less likely to be carried away by stormwater flow.
  • Be aware of notifications of suspended trash service in your area. Do not leave  bins out during severe rain events as they may tip over and become a street hazard.
  • Be prepared to leave your home or business immediately if an evacuation is ordered.
  • Stay away from flood channels and rivers. Avoid steep bare slopes that may become unstable when saturated.
  • Do not try to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water. Turn around – don’t drown.
  • Never touch a downed power line, which can cause serious injury or death. Call 9-1-1 to report it.
  • Look for and stay away from leaning trees and poles, fences or walls.
  • If you become trapped in your vehicle, stay with it. If possible, relocate to the hood or roof of your car if the water continues to rise.
  • Remain alert when driving. Roads may become blocked or closed due to hazards. Report small problems before they become bigger problems.
  • Be respectful of crews working and drive slow in the cone zone.
     

Fast Facts

  • Rainy season in Los Angeles is from October 15 to April 15 but the heaviest rainfall is usually December through February.
  • There are 1,300 miles of storm drains in Los Angeles and LASAN conducts proactive maintenance annually to prevent the storm drain system from clogging and flooding.
  • Los Angeles has nine stormwater pumping plants.
  • City streets are designed for water to flow up to the edges of the curbs in heavy downpours, which can sometimes cause flooding on sidewalks.
  • Screens on catch basins prevent trash and debris from entering our waterways. Catch basin screens will automatically open when it rains.
  • There are 6,700 miles of sewer pipes in Los Angeles, and LASAN conducts proactive maintenance year-round to prevent clogs, flooding and pests.
  • There are 67 pumping stations to move sewage through the pipes to the plants.
  • The City of Los Angeles has four water reclamation plants. The largest plant can treat up to 600 million gallons per day, enough to fill 909 Olympic-sized swimming pools.