In the midst of our city's Fire and Windstorm emergency, I'd like to share a few updates.
First, according to the LAFD map, the southwest portion of Sherman Oaks remains an Evacuation Warning zone, current as of 5pm Monday, January 13. Although none of Sherman Oaks is presently under a mandatory evacuation order, it's important to put together items you may wish to take with you, should evacuation become necessary. Click here to see a sample Emergency Supply Checklist.
For those under a mandatory evacuation order, the closest evacuation center to Sherman Oaks is located at the main building of the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Rec Center (14201 Huston St, Sherman Oaks).
Also bear in mind the LA County Department of Public Health has declared an emergency pertaining to air quality, namely particulate matter associated with the fires, such as ash and smoke. Although wind conditions during this Santa Ana Wind event is blowing air to the south (and thus, Palisades Fire air presently is blowing south to the ocean and not northeast to Sherman Oaks), ash is likely already here from earlier over the weekend and may arrive when wind direction changes.
Remember those N95 masks we used during COVID (and some of us never stopped using them!)? They work wonderfully for smoky conditions or when ash is present.
Pursuant to Public Health's air quality order, air blowers, including leaf blowers, are banned from use in Los Angeles County, including Sherman Oaks, during the wildfire cleanup. Please bear that in mind — your gardening projects involving a leaf blower will have to wait until we're out of emergency. You're likely to kick up ash or smoke particulate, which is toxic.
If you experience extreme symptoms like shortness of breath, seek medical care. As always, dial 911 for life-threatening symptoms. If you observe uncontrolled fire in the community, you can dial 911 to report this as well.
Thank you for your continued interest in and dedication to the Sherman Oaks community. Please stay safe and be kind to one another.
Are you interested in serving on SONC?
2025 will be another election year for SONC, in our odd numbered areas 1, 3, 5, and 7. You may be eligible to run for SONC if you are a resident, business stakeholder (employer/employee), or community interest stakeholder (nonprofit member, school affiliate, etc.). Curious what your area is? Click here to view our boundary map.
Information on how to register as a candidate (and, later, how to vote) will be available at that time.
With Pride and Determination—
Lindsay
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