Staying Safe in Hidden Hills During a Storm
During winter storms, the City of Hidden Hills collaborates with Los Angeles County and other agencies across the region to protect the public from flood danger.
Residents are urged to know their property’s risk factors, clear drainage paths near homes and other structures, and call the Public Works 24-hour Dispatch Center to report storm-related damage, or flooding.
Here Are Tips to Help You Prepare for and Stay Safe During a Storm
- Heed all instructions from emergency responders and emergency alert notifications.
- Drive cautiously and slow down – many roadways will be wet and slippery. Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water. As little as six inches of water can knock over and carry away an adult and 18-24 inches of water can carry away most large SUVs, vans. and trucks. Follow the advice: “Turn around, don’t drown!”
- Anticipate water runoff and place sandbags where needed. Have portable water pumps readily available for low-lying areas on your property.
- Ensure long driveways are properly graded and equipped with drainage systems to prevent flooding.
- Regularly inspect and maintain large, mature trees to reduce the risk of falling limbs or uprooted trees damaging structures or blocking private roads. Hire an arborist to assess storm risks specific to valuable landscaping or historical trees.
- Ensure backup power supplies (like generators or batteries) are available for household electricity and security systems in case of power outages. Verify that automated gates and smart home devices are accessible manually during a power loss.
- Secure outdoor furniture, sculptures, and other high-value items to prevent them from becoming storm debris. Use protective covers or enclosures for luxury vehicles.
- Test smart home automation systems for emergency modes, such as shutting windows, securing doors, or activating storm shutters. Ensure Wi-Fi-dependent devices have alternative controls in case of internet disruptions.
- Drain excess water from pools or fountains before a storm to prevent overflow and damage to surrounding areas.
- Turn off water circulation systems to avoid electrical damage during storms.
- Document high-value assets and ensure you have updated insurance policies, including coverage for rare or irreplaceable items.
- Review emergency protocols for quick claims filing after storm-related damage.
- Private Staff Coordination. Communicate storm preparedness plans to household staff, including evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and asset protection responsibilities. Provide training or guidelines for staff members on handling emergencies safely.
- Check on elderly neighbors and family and friends who may not be able to prepare for the storm on their own.
- Develop an emergency plan and make a disaster kit that includes food, water, and medications for at least 10 days. Create evacuation routes and plans to contact family members if separated.
- Prepare to evacuate if local officials instruct you to do so.
Helpful contacts:
- Downed powerline: call 9-1-1 and leave the area.
- Report a power outage: call Southern California Edison. SCE can be reached at 1-800-611-1911.
- Need shelter: call 2-1-1.
- Downed tree or water in the roadway: call LA Public Works 800-676-HELP (4357).
The two nearest fire stations that have free sand and bags ready to go:
- Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 68
24130 Calabasas Road, Calabasas - Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 125
5215 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
For additional tips and resources on how to prepare for storm season, visit ready.lacounty.gov. Please visit alert.lacounty.gov to register for emergency alerts.