Preparing for the Big Storm

Brace yourself. Forecasters say we're in for a very wet week, and the first wave of the storm will wash ashore Sunday evening. On Monday morning, the Martin Luther King Junior holiday, it is expected to be wet - very wet. But according to the latest forecast models, Wednesday looks to be D-Day with the "D" standing for "drenched." By Friday afternoon, forecasters are expecting 4 to 8 inches of rain along the coast and totals up to double that in upslope areas. On the brighter side, in the mountains there will be some great skiing with more than a fair share of fresh powder.

With a plethora of weather on the way, it is a good time for a quick reminder of some safety precautions to keep you prepared for this holiday weekend:

• Local fire departments are making ready-to-fill sandbags available for flood-control and to prevent mudflows. To find the nearest fire station or Street Services location, dial 311 or visit the LAFD blog or city services Web site.
• Residents will need to fill the bags themselves, but shovels will be provided at the Street Services yards, official said.
• Residents can take up to 25 free bags, according to the Bureau of Street Services.
• Stay away from flood-control channels and streams that can turn into raging rapids amid a downpour. Swiftwater rescue crews are bracing for what is billed a week's worth of rain.
• Electricity outages or downed power lines can be reported to the Department of Water and Power by calling (800) DIAL-DWP.
• Motorists should be wary of standing water -- San Fernando Valley roads crossing the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area are routinely closed due to flooding during downpours -- to avoid stalls. Nearly half of all flash-flood deaths are vehicle-related, and motorists are urged not to drive in standing water.
• Clogged street drains, potholes, downed trees and other storm-related problems can be reported to by calling 311 or (866) 4-LACITY.
• The surf will also be up, and anyone who ventures too close to the breaking waves could be in danger. Walking out on jetties is ill-advised, since unpredictable sets of larger-than-normal waves and a rising tide can catch people off guard. Plus, urban runoff is expected to foul the water for days.