Public Safety

What is El Niño? El Niño is a warming of the Pacific Ocean near the equator caused by a weakening of the trade winds that normally push sun-warmed waters to the west. When ocean temperatures are warmer or cooler than normal, they can affect weather around the world. In the United States, El Niño often changes typical weather patterns and could bring drier conditions to some areas and intense rain...
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In preparation for the holidays, L.A. Sanitation is asking people not to pour fats, oils, and grease down the drain. This can be damaging not only to pipes in the home, but also to outside sewer lines. LA Sanitation is now accepting household fryer oil for recycling at our S.A.F.E. Centers. The oil will be recycled for fuel and energy. Pouring oil down the kitchen sink or drains can clog up ...
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Each year, LA Sanitation (LASAN) prepares itself and Los Angeles residents and businesses for the rainy season. This year, we are anticipating El Niño, which will likely cause higher-intensity storms and potential flooding. What can residents and businesses do to prepare? Check your catch basins to make sure they (more…)
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There has been a significant increase of copper wire thefts targeting the city's street lighting system in various neighborhoods, causing street lights to go dark for a period of time. If you observe a wire theft in process or see any suspicious activity around street lights, please call 9-1-1 immediately. How to determine what is official city work on street lights and what isn't? The work i...
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The LAPD is alerting the public about a recent rash of phone scams that seek ransom for taking family members hostage. According to the police, the victims are contacted by a suspect who states they are holding a family member hostage. The caller then demands money to be wired, threatening they will kill or hurt the hostage. The scammers then advise the victim withdraw money from an ATM and...
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911 Dispatchers are being inundated with people calling because the fires in the Angeles National Forest and Simi Valley smell so close. People around the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood Hills, Studio City and Mount Olympus are smelling smoke and calling 911 thinking there is a wildfire near them, says the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Brian Humphrey. However, it is just smoke from the Rustic a...
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Advisory: #LAPD #CAPTEGAN Seen a suspicious 90's white sedan (Possible Chevy Malibu) w 2-3 males on your street? Could be BURGLARS! Crime stoppers?! West Valley has experienced an increase in residential burglaries in the area of Sherman Way to Victory Blvd, and Balboa Ave to Hayvenhurst Ave. Reminder: With summer in full swing, people tend to open their windows more often. Don’t forget to lock ...
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The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is developing a new, community-driven strategic plan and is teaming up with EmpowerLA to get the word out to members of the community. The partnership between the two city departments is the first of its kind and assists in connecting us to Los Angeles residents, to engage them in the process of charting our organization’s future. The process went l...
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