Gov. Newsom directs emergency teams to safeguard communities vulnerable to post-fire mudslides

California – Governor Gavin Newsom is acting aggressively to protect communities and natural areas recently affected by wildfires in expectation of the wet weather anticipated for Southern California. Under his direction, the state administration is sending specialized debris flow response teams to protect these sensitive sites against any mudslides.

“Even before we saw rain on the horizon in Los Angeles, I directed my departments and agencies to act fast to protect neighborhoods from potentially hazardous debris flows. By stationing resources and staff in key locations, we can help make a difference as we transition from fire response to storm preparedness,” Gov. Newsom said in a news release.

The areas of concern are primarily the burn scar regions left in the wake of recent firestorms in Los Angeles. The lack of vegetation in these places makes them especially vulnerable to debris flows; typically, this helps to stabilize the ground. To lead the initiatives, the state has assembled the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Watershed and Debris Flow Taskforce. Working with several state agencies including CAL FIRE and the Department of Conservation, this taskforce evaluates and manages the danger of mudslides and debris flows.

Past disasters, such the terrible mudslides in Montecito in January 2018 that claimed 23 lives, shape Governor Newsom’s preventive actions. These mudslides were triggered by heavy rains hitting burn scar areas, where the absence of vegetation led to massive debris flows that destroyed homes and infrastructure. The state has improved its preparedness initiatives in order to stop such tragedies from happening again.

Over 400 California Conservation Corps personnel, assigned to create silt fence, straw wattles, and compost stockings in fire scar sites, are part of these key efforts. These steps are meant to be physical filters separating pollutants from runoff of rainfall. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) also has ready to use tools including plastic sheeting and sandbags for protection against floods and has positioned flood combat supplies.

Read also: California enhances disaster recovery resources for Los Angeles wildfire survivors

Governor Newsom personally saw the preparatory activities on a recent visit to CAL FIRE and CDCR conservation camp staff, including the filling of sandbags meant for strategic placement in impacted regions to help prevent potential flooding and mudslides. He underlined the need of these initiatives and the part early planning and efficient resource allocation play in disaster readiness.

Furthermore, the Governor has signed a number of executive orders meant to support the state’s reaction to the firestorms and consequent meteorological conditions. These include steps to improve protection against floods, stabilize hillsides, and hasten garbage disposal. These steps are a component of a larger plan meant to not only solve current problems but also assist in the long-term reconstruction and healing of impacted areas.

Read also: San Mateo to host yet another workshop to gather community feedback on bike lane project impacts

In the wake of the fires, Governor Newsom has also acted to prevent against price gouging on building supplies and housing, so shielding locals from exploitation. Emphasizing the need of complete support for impacted Californians, his government is sponsoring efforts at emergency response and recovery.

The state provides numerous suggestions to help those living in the affected areas keep safe during possible debris flows: knowing several evacuation routes, using sandbags to guard homes, and avoiding walking or driving across floodwaters.

Read also: Caltrain representatives to discuss noise mitigation efforts at San Mateo meeting later this month

Governor Newsom’s use of specialist teams and resources reveals a concerted attempt to stop another disaster resulting from natural events as Southern California gets ready for rain. Visiting CA.gov/LAfires or calling disaster aid services accessible through several channels can help Californians impacted by the fires find more resources and information.