In a continuing effort to efficiently work with partnering governmental agencies, on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, through January 22, 2018, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) will be providing resources to assist current mudslide recovery and clean-up efforts in Santa Barbara County as part of a mutual aid request from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). 
 
According to a Cal OES News report released on Monday, January 15, 2018, heavy rains, combined with burn-scarred areas due to the Thomas Fire, caused massive mudslides in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County. Thousands of residents were evacuated, homes were destroyed or damaged, and roads were obstructed. Cal OES has activated the State Operations Center to provide assistance to the Montecito community.
 
The LASD acts as the Regional Mutual Aid Area Coordinator and will coordinate the deployment of law enforcement personnel from various Southern California agencies tasked with traffic and looter control in the Montecito area. We are proud to serve with these agencies as we assist the residents of Santa Barbara County to move forward and restore their community. We also are saddened and extend our condolences to the families who lost loved ones and experienced property loss in these horrific mudslides. The LASD, as well as partnering agencies, always stand ready to render services during times of need. 
 
Although the recent storm is past, we remind the residents in our own fire-scarred areas due to the Creek Fire and Fish Fire that inclement weather is still expected and encourage those in these precarious areas to continue monitoring weather reports, and check for status updates with local law enforcement, fire department and utility websites. 

Here are some ideas to prepare and keep in mind before the next big storm:
 
*Prepare a “Go Bag” that includes a flashlight, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, warm clothing, first aid kit, cash, important documents, and other items you might need for at least three days.           
 
*Provide for the needs of your pets
 
*Monitor local news and weather stations for updates.
 
*Pay attention to alerts and warnings from authorities.
 
*Stay home if you really don’t need to be outside.
 
*Use extreme caution if you are using local roads and slow down for debris in the street.
 
*Treat all non-working traffic signal lights at intersections as stop signs.
 
*Stay away from downed power lines and report them to your local authorities.
 
For more information about this event and emergency preparedness, please visit https://www.caloes.ca.gov , Twitter @Cal_OES, CARE https://dpwCARE.org

Residents, business owners and persons with access or functional needs may also call 2-1-1 for LA County information: www.211la.org  
 
Prepared by:
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice – First floor 
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1700

Website LASD HQ: https://www.lasd.org
Recruitment LASD: https://www.careers.lasd.org
Follow LASD HQ via Text and Email: https://www.Nixle.com
https://nixle.com/lasd—los-angeles-county-sheriffs-dept-information-bureau-sib/ 
Twitter: @LASDHQ https://twitter.com/LASDHQ
Twitter: @LASDtalk https://twitter.com/LASDTalk
Twitter: @LASDvideos https://twitter.com/LASDvideos
Twitter: @LASDespanol https://twitter.com/LASDespanol
Facebook LASD HQ https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment
Instagram LASD Photos: https://instagram.com/LASDHQ
Pinterest LASD Photos: https://pinterest.com/lacountysheriff/
YouTube LASD Videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/LACountySheriff/videos?view=0
Alert LA County: Telephone emergency mass notification system
https://www.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/alertla
 
Text & Email, Register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for “Nixle” alerts at https://www.Nixle.com and register for “LASD – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept Information Bureau (SIB)” AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.
 
“If You See Something, Say Something”
LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store or by using the website https://lacrimestoppers.org
 
 
Jim McDonnell, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department