EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

Fire & Storms

Mandeville Canyon is serviced by Fire Station No. 19 located at 12229 Sunset Blvd.

(310) 575-8519

WWW.LAFD.ORG            WWW.READYLA.ORG

Brush Clearance

All homeowners should receive a “Brush Clearance Program Information Brochure” from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The brochure contains detailed descriptions and illustrations about how to comply with brush clearance requirements.  If you have not received the brochure or have further questions, please contact the Brush Clearance Unit at (818) 374-1111, or visit its website at www.lafd.org/brush.  You can also send email to brush@lafd.lacity.org.

The LAFD safety inspections usually begin in May. The safety of the entire Canyon depends upon proper brush maintenance.  This should be a top priority for all Canyon residents. 

Following are some of the most important facts from the LAFD brochure.

You are responsible for vegetation and hazards that are on your property.  You must clear within 10 feet of roadways, within 10 feet of combustible fences and within 200 feet of structures, whether or not the structures are on your property.  You should:

• Remove all dead material, including dead trees and shrubs, as well as dead branches and undergrowth in live plants.

• Remove any foliage within 10 feet of a chimney outlet. Prune tree branches to create a 5-foot vertical space between roof surfaces and foliage.  That means, for example, that if you have a tree that overhangs to within 5 feet of you neighbor’s roof, you are responsible for trimming your tree to within 5 feet of your neighbor’s roof.
• Remove all or most native plants from within 100 feet of structures and reduce the fuel load from 100 feet to 200 feet from structures by pruning the lower third of any native plants in the area.

If an inspector finds a violation on your property, a “Notice of Noncompliance” will be mailed with the information about the violation(s).  If the property is not in compliance when re-inspected after the “Compliance Due Date” on your notice you will be assessed a $242 noncompliance re-inspection fee.  If you are issued a notice of noncompliance and do not receive a “Cleaned By Owner” Inspection Report, the Fire Department will clear your property and bill you for the cost of the work plus a $314 Administrative Fee.

Additional Fire Safety Precautions

1. If possible, plan two escape routes out of each room.
2. Teach family members to stay low to the ground when escaping from a fire.
3. Teach family members never to open doors that are hot.  In a fire, feel the bottom of the door with the palm of your hand.  If it is hot, do not open the door. Find another way out.
4. Install smoke detectors.  Clean and test smoke detectors once a month.  Change batteries at least once a year.
5. Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household members in case of a fire.
6. Check electrical outlets.  Do not overload outlets.
7. Purchase a fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).  Check every six months.
8. Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your house.
9. Consider installing home sprinklers.

Earthquake

What to do before, during and after an earthquake

Here is an additional checklist of safety procedures related to earthquakes: Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. Fasten shelves securely. Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves. Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds. Brace overhead light fixtures. Secure water heater.  Strap to wall studs. Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations. Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources. Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans. Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents. Make sure you know where your gas and water shutoffs are located. Even though many homes have an automatic gas turn off that will kick in if an earthquake occurs, it is still important to know how to turn off the gas manually.  Purchase a gas shut-off wrench from a hardware store or your plumber.

Heavy Rains, Storms & Floods

The most important precaution you can take is to make sure that all watercourses around your house are clear of debris and trash.  Begin with the roof: all gutters should be clear so that water will flow out through the proper drains.  Make sure periodically to clear the gutters of leaves and other debris.  It’s a good idea to flush the gutter down spouts before the rainy season to make sure they are not clogged.  If you have sump pumps, make sure they are in working order.  Make sure that any grills or wire mesh above the pumps are clear of leaves which can block the flow of water into the drainage hole.  If you notice any areas of water buildup during a moderate rain, have a professional check the overall drainage system.  If there is a catch basin on the road near where you live, make sure it is free of debris.

The Fire Department has sandbags and sand.  You may go to the station to pick them up at no charge.  You will need current identification to show you are a Mandeville resident. Mandeville Canyon is serviced by Fire Station No. 19 located at 12229 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049.  Telephone: (310) 575-8519.

Terrorism

The city has established a Terrorism Tip Hotline: (877) 284-7328.  LAPD encourages all residents to be vigilant and alert as they go about their day-to-day activities.

Several of the Websites at the end of this section provide important information regarding the threat of terrorism

Safety Websites

Los Angeles Community Policing. A forum for the dissemination of information, sharing of ideas, and suggesting ways the community can become engaged in making our streets safer, to improve the quality of life.

CITY AND COUNTY RESOURCE NUMBERS

Abandoned Vehicles Animal Services Building & Safety Charities that Pick Up Donated Items Disasters Emergency preparedness Environment & Pollution Fire Department Health Services Noise Planning Department Police Department Post office Public Works Road Conditions Sanitation Senior Citizens Street Flooding Street Services Transportation Department Television Utilities

Safety Suggestions for living safely in Mandeville Canyon:

Local Hospitals:

Cougars:

Recent Cougar Attack on Deer – Many of us have noticed more deer than usual as the water shortage has driven the deer down and out of the mountains. Recently there was a young deer killed in the 2000 block of Mandeville Canyon. The carcass indicated the attack was made by a bobcat or cougar. Although we all know we share our Canyon with wild animals, remember that as a precaution to keep a close eye on small pets in your yards. Here is useful information from the California Department of Land Management. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/wildlife/cougar.html 

Coyotes:

One of the benefits of canyon living is exposure to wildlife. Coyotes are part of that experience in Mandeville Canyon. We must all remember, however, that coyotes, like all wild animals, should be experienced at a safe distance.

The Los Angeles Times has reported that there were seventeen reported incidents of coyotes attacking humans in Southern California in 2001 – compared to just three such reported attacks in 2000. Of the seventeen attacks, eight victims required medical attention. The increase in hostile encounters has been attributed to drought conditions and a reduction in wildlife space due to development. As a result, coyotes are relying more often on food obtained in residential areas, such as food left out for domestic dogs and cats and garbage that is not placed in covered or sealed containers. It is important to remember that the majority of coyote attacks occur in late spring and early summer as coyote pups and their mothers emerge from the den hungry for food.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) website warns that problems begin when people begin feeding coyotes – either deliberately or inadvertently. When that happens, coyotes quickly lose their natural fear of humans and can become quite bold, sometimes aggressive. Coyotes have attacked pets on several occasions and in a few tragic cases, small children, causing serious injuries and death.

DFG recommends that we reduce conflicts with coyotes by ensuring that coyotes remain cautious of humans. They advise the following:

1. Never Feed Coyotes: Deliberately feeding coyotes puts you, your pets and neighbors at risk.

2. Take Special Care With Pet Food And Garbage: Many of us who would never deliberately feed coyotes do so inadvertently. Do not leave pet food or garbage where coyotes can get to it. Feed pets indoors or promptly remove outdoor dishes when pets finish their meals. Store bags of pet food inside. Make sure that the lids on your trashcans are always shut – if they are overfilled (propped open by garbage), then the coyotes will knock them over to collect edible garbage.

3. Clear Brush and Weeds: Coyotes and other predators are often attracted to areas where rodents congregate, such as wood and brush piles and seed storage areas. By clearing brush and dense weeds, and keeping woodpiles clean and organized, you reduce the protective cover for coyotes and make these areas less attractive to rodents.

4. Protect Children: Coyote attacks are rare, but they have occurred. Never leave small children unattended outside in a neighborhood like ours, where coyotes are known to visit.

5. Protect Pets: Keep small pets, such as cats, rabbits and small dogs indoors, especially in the evening. They are easy, favored prey. Large dogs should be brought inside after dark, and should never be allowed to run loose. Rabbit hutches should have a solid bottom. A hutch standing above-ground, with only a wire bottom, makes your rabbit an easy mark.

6. Use Negative Reinforcement: Let coyotes know that they are not wanted in your yard. Make loud noises, throw rocks near but not at them, or spray them with a garden hose. It is essential that coyotes retain their natural wariness of humans.

7. Report Threats and Attacks Immediately: If you see a coyote behaving aggressively or attacking people or pets, contact DFG at (916) 445-0045. They are open weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Also, see DFG’s website: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/ (“Living With California Coyotes”).

Snakes:

The Canyon is home to many different kinds of snakes.  These snakes are part of the area's natural community and, other than the rattlesnake, are harmless to humans.  Local snakes, such as the garter snake, gopher snake, king snake, the blind snake and racer (or California whip snake) are helpful in controlling pests such as rodents and are not poisonous.  These snakes are typically skinny, but range in length from just 5 inches to more than 100 inches (8’4”).

Every now and then residents do see rattlesnakes in their yards.  The Pacific rattlesnake is poisonous and is a matter of concern, especially for those with young children and pets. An important part of canyon living is learning how to live with snakes and minimizing the risk of a dangerous encounter with a rattlesnake, the only poisonous snake in the Canyon.

It is important to be able to identify a rattlesnake. They have blunt-nosed, broad heads, thick bodies and blunt tails, usually with a button or series of rattles at the end of the tail. The baby rattler is about 12 inches long, yellow with dark hexagons on its back, and has a knob or button at the end of its tail instead of rattles. Baby rattlers are deceptively dangerous because they tend to inject all of their venom in a single bite.  Barefoot residents, curious children and pets, and active gardeners are perhaps most at risk from inadvertent contact with baby rattlers.  By contrast, adult rattlers would rather scare away intruders by rattling and will not waste all of their venom in one bite, making a single bite less toxic than a baby rattler's bite. 
All local rattlesnakes are poisonous – baby and adult.  Most adult rattlesnakes in the Canyon are between 3-4 feet long. Adult rattlers are particularly dangerous when they shed their skins or are hunting. Most rattlesnakes, when disturbed, normally try to withdraw. But if they think they are cornered, the explosive sizzling buzz of their rattles is an unmistakable warning to retreat quickly.
If you see a rattlesnake lying stiff and straight in the open, it is likely "hiding" (hoping you will assume it is either dead or a stick).  If you can, walk around the tail end of the snake without disturbing it.  A coiled snake is ready to defend itself and can strike half the length of its body. So stay at least 3-4 feet away.
Rattlesnakes are sit-and-wait predators. They remain coiled next to a regularly used wild animal path, often for days at a time, and wait silently for prey to come within striking distance. After stunning their prey with venom, they swallow the animal, and then move to another favored ambush site. Feeding ceases when winter approaches; these cold-blooded animals cannot digest food when it is cold, so rattlesnakes retreat into deep dens to hibernate until the following spring.
Summer is, therefore, the time for heightened vigilance.  Snakes may enter your yard seeking shade or moisture, and dine on the mice, rats and gophers that may be hidden in your ivy or other foliage.  This is a particular risk for young children who cannot recognize the danger.  And if you see a baby rattler in your yard, be very careful because there are likely to be other babies and their mother close by.

Rats:

Many Canyon residents are fighting a recurring canyon problem: rats.  Our beautiful hillsides, with abundant ground cover, provide excellent refuge for rats.  That keeps them safe while they plot their next assault on your home.  It is a serious problem.  But before trying to solve that problem with rat poison, consider the impact of rat poison on our neighbors – the birds, owls, and other wildlife that may suffer the unanticipated collateral damage of rat poisoning. Another common victim is the family pet. 
The most dangerous type of rat poisons are “single use” poisons, which kill upon ingestion of just one pellet.  These poisons contain brodifacoum (e.g.Talon) or bromadialone (e.g.Bromakil), which are poisons with a history of killing non-targeted wildlife, especially birds of prey.  Any animal that ingests these toxins directly, or feeds on the dead body of another contaminated animal, dies a slow, agonizing death.  The sad irony is that by poisoning a few rats, you also poison those feeding off the rats in our natural canyon food chain, which contributes to a thinning of the predator population that would otherwise control the rat and pest population. 

Please consider the impact of rat poisoning, and consider safer alternatives to controlling your rat problems.  The best results are obtained by closing cracks and holes through which rats sneak into your home, and cutting back foliage and ground cover in areas around your home. 

Africanized Honey Bee:

During the summer months, Africanized Honey Bees (AHB), better known as "killer bees”, have become serious nuisances.  The AHB is closely related to, and looks like, the

Domestic Honey Bee used in agriculture for crop pollination and honey production.
AHBs swarm frequently to establish new nests.  They will nest almost anywhere:  in empty boxes, cans, buckets or other containers, in old tires, abandoned vehicles, holes and cavities in fences, trees on the ground and in sheds, garages and other outbuildings.  Never disturb a nest and stay away from all bee swarms and colonies. Teach children to be cautious and respectful of ALL bees and develop a safety plan for your home and yard. 

If stung, go quickly to a safe area, remove stinger as soon as possible, don’t squeeze stinger (pressure will release more venom), scrape the stinger out with a fingernail, knife blade or credit card. Wash the sting area with soap and water, apply an ice pack for a few minutes to relieve pain and swelling. Seek medical attention immediately if breathing is troubled, if stung numerous times, or if allergic to bee stings.

For general information and referrals you can call (800) BEE-WARY. To report hives or swarms of bees that are in the public right of way call the Bureau of Street Services at (800) 996-2489. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911.  For further helpful tips on how to avoid and protect yourself and your pets from bees you can go to http://www.laanimalservices.com

For a private bee removal company please refer to the Services & Vendors Section.

Accidents

During the past year, there have been several serious accidents on Mandeville Canyon Road. In every case, these accidents were due to excessive speeding. Please be careful when driving. If you have any questions about traffic problems, please contact West Traffic Division, Community Traffic Services Unit: (213) 473-0215.

The situation concerning cyclists is especially dangerous because of the surface of Mandeville Canyon Road. The sides of the road are often jagged and dotted with potholes. This means that cyclists are forced to dodge these areas and ride toward the middle of the road. Clearly, this presents a danger for both the cyclist and the driver. If you are driving, please pay particular attention when you see cyclists in front of you. Please slow down and help prevent unnecessary accidents. If you are a cyclist, control your speed as you descend toward Sunset. If you are riding in a group, please be sure to go single file.

The repaving of Mandeville Canyon Road is not scheduled for many years. However, meetings are now taking place with Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski’s office to see if some paving improvements can be made immediately.

Dead Animal Collection

The Bureau of Sanitation will collect dead animals free of charge, except for horses and cows. Please call (800) 773-2489, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. On weekends, call (213) 485-4911. E-mail address: SANCallCenter@SAN.LACity.org

TRASH BINS CAN BE HAZARDOUS

Please Keep Trash Bins Off Mandeville Canyon Road

Several residents have complained about their neighbors’ trash bins being left out long before and after trash collection day.  Trash bins along the road create a driving hazard and spoil the natural beauty of our community.  It is also against the law to keep the bins out more than 24 hours before or after trash pick-up.    The City rules provide as follows

Time Limitations Upon the Placing and Removing of Containers:  No person occupying or in possession of any premises where refuse is scheduled to be collected between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. shall place any container containing refuse, or any refuse not in a container, at the proper place of collection as specified in Section 8 hereof before 6:00 o'clock P.M. of the day preceding the scheduled collection of said refuse, nor leave any such container at such place of collection after 8:00 P.M. of the day of actual collection.

Violations can be reported to a Street-Use Inspector at (800) 996-2489 at the Bureau of Street Services.  The penalty for non-compliance is: a) First violation – the Street Use Inspector issues a notice to comply;  b) Second violation – a citation is given and the violator must attend an Administrative Hearing before a Bureau of Street Services Supervisor;  c) Third violation – the violator’s bins are removed from the residence and the resident must obtain private sanitation services to remove his or her garbage.

Thank you for complying with the City’s rules and helping keep Mandeville Canyon safe and beautiful.