BeStormSmart

Be Storm Smart

The City encourages residents to stay prepared for impacts related to winter weather like potential storms and heavy rain. Follow @LongBeachCity and #LBRain on Facebook, Instagram, X, Nextdoor, reddit or YouTube for preparedness tips and alerts related to winter weather.

 

Operational Announcements

The National Weather Service has forecast a storm system for the Los Angeles/Long Beach region starting Sunday, Feb.15 through Thursday, Feb. 19. The storm is forecast to bring moderate to heavy rain to Long Beach and increased winds. The system will peak on Monday afternoon and will continue through Thursday with intermittent rain. Flooding could occur in low lying areas, especially on Monday, when the storm is expected to have the heaviest impact. The City of Long Beach is implementing its inclement weather action plans and will be monitoring and addressing major issues as they occur.

The City is advising residents to prepare now, commute safely and avoid flooded roadways and intersections. The City is advising residents in historically vulnerable, low-lying areas of the city, including along the peninsula and Alamitos Bay, to be vigilant and prepare for potential localized flooding, as is customary during these weather systems. Protective berms remain built and fortified in vulnerable beach areas to safeguard residents and property. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies. 


Sandbags and Sand Distribution 

The City has activated sandbag distribution sites for Long Beach residents, available now and throughout the duration of the storm. Long Beach residents can pick up empty sandbags at all Long Beach Fire Department neighborhood Fire Stations. Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:

  • Lifeguard Station located at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
  • Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm Ave.)
  • Fire Station 12 (1199 Artesia Blvd.)
  • Fire Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
  • Fire Station 14 (off East Paoli Way and East 3rd Street)

 An additional sand bin will be available at the Claremont Beach Parking Lot (5400 E. Ocean Blvd.) for residents who already have empty sandbags.

 Sand and sandbags are available only to Long Beach residents. Residents are required to bring their IDs to pick up a maximum of 10 bags. Residents are advised to bring their own shovel and/or tool when collecting sand. It is recommended that those needing specific assistance with filling sandbags go to the Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place for additional support, available between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 through Wednesday, Feb. 18. President’s Day, observed Monday, Feb. 16, will not affect this service. Pre-filled sandbags are available in limited quantities and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. People can also watch this safety video for tips on how to properly fill sandbags. 


Parks Operations

Visitors of the El Dorado Nature Center are advised that trails may temporarily close during and in the days following a storm. Patrons may still visit the museum inside the Nature Center during this time. The dog park at El Dorado East Regional Park may also close temporarily during and in the days following a storm. Trails and road conditions at El Dorado East Regional Park will be assessed daily and may close in select areas. The Nature Center is regularly closed on Mondays and holidays.  

 

 

Emergency and Storm Preparedness Tips

  • Check the Recreational Water Monitoring webpage for beach advisories. After any significant rainfall (0.10" or more), high levels of bacteria from storm drains, rivers and polluted runoff enter the ocean. People should avoid all ocean water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall.
  • Avoid driving through a flooded road or walking across a flowing stream of water.
  • Slow down at intersections, especially if signal lights are not working, and treat them as stop signs. Be cautious while driving, especially at night.
  • Take appropriate steps to be prepared by securing personal property and vehicles in areas that are prone to flooding.
  • Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination and estimated arrival time.
  • Be aware of utility workers working in or near the road.
  • Stay off sand berms and stay away from City vehicles and machinery operating along the coastline.
  • Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm.
  • Place refuse and recycling carts on the parkway or driveway apron.
  • Report street flooding or downed trees by calling 562.570.2700.
  • Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1.
  • Report a clogged storm catch-basin, downed trees and damaged traffic signals or streetlights on the Go Long Beach app or online portal. Emergency crews are on standby for urgent needs. 
  • To check the status of street sweeping in localized areas, call 562.570.2890 or follow @LBPublicWorks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for timely updates.
  • Make a Plan. Whether for home, work or school, it is important to have an emergency plan in place and practice it. A plan will help you think ahead about what steps you can take to keep you and your family safe during an emergency. Determine with your family and/or place of work/school a meeting place in the event of an evacuation and establish a communications plan (English, Spanish) to stay connected, should you be separated.   
  • Get informed. Review the City’s Hazard Mitigation webpage, which includes information about earthquakes and other hazards that can impact Long Beach, as well as the adopted Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and visit My Hazards to find out what specific hazards impact your home or place of work/school.
  • Prepare a Go-bag. If you haven’t already done so, prepare a go-bag and store it in an easily accessible location to take when the need to quickly evacuate arises. The bag should contain essential items for individuals and families (including pets) such as a list of medications, printed photos of family and pets, identification, important documents, extra clothes, and a disaster-ready guide. 
  • Build an Emergency Kit. Some emergencies may prevent you from leaving your home and restrict others from reaching you. Prepare an emergency kit with essential, daily items to be self-sustaining for at least five days including canned and shelf-stable food, water and medication for each family member, a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries and comfort items for people and pets. Remember to maintain your kit by replacing expired items and updating it as your family’s needs change.
  • Learn First Aid. Everyone can benefit by learning  basic emergency medical procedures. It’s also a good idea to take a CPR class.
  • Prepare for severe weather by following these tips.

Emergency Notifications

In the event of an emergency, the City may send emergency notifications via Alert Long Beach or the Wireless Emergency Alert system. 

Storm Safety: Sand and Sandbag Distribution in Long Beach

  • Sandbags are available year-round at  Long Beach Fire Stations for residents. 
  • Sand is available only leading up to major storms and at select locations. Availability will be announced prior to larger storm events. 
  • Sand and sandbags are available only to Long Beach residents. 
  • A maximum of 10 sandbags can be picked up per resident with ID. 
  • Residents should bring their own shovel or tool to collect sand. 
  • The map below shows the locations of Long Beach Fire Stations where sandbags are typically available as well as where sand will be distributed before a major storm. Sand availability is NOT year-round. 

                              Enter your address below to locate the nearest Long Beach sand and sandbag distribution location.