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LAC DPH Health Alert:
Red Flag Warning - Prepare for Possible Power Outages and Wildfires
October 14, 2026
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This message is intended for all healthcare providers and facilities in Los Angeles County.
Please distribute as appropriate.
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The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of LA County from Thursday, October 15, through Friday night, October 16, with critical conditions possibly lingering into Saturday, October 17.
- Conditions increase the risk for wildfires and associated smoke impacts, as well as power outages—including both utility-initiated Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and unplanned wind-related outages.
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LA County Fire Department, Sheriff's Department, and Office of Emergency Management are urging the public to prepare for potential impacts.
- Healthcare facilities should review and be prepared to activate their emergency operations plans.
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A Red Flag Warning has been issued for parts of Los Angeles County from Thursday through Friday night with critical conditions possibly continuing into Saturday. Strong Santa Ana winds (gusts of 50–70 mph in mountain areas), very low humidity, and a concurrent Heat Advisory create conditions for rapid fire spread.
LA County Public Safety Agencies have issued a press release today urging the public to prepare for high winds and significant fire risk.
Healthcare facilities and providers should prepare for utility-initiated Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and unplanned wind-related outages, and for the possibility of wildfire evacuation.
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Actions Requested of Healthcare Providers and Facilities
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We recognize that all licensed healthcare facilities maintain emergency operations plans, including procedures for utility disruptions such as power loss, and that capabilities vary by facility type.
Given current conditions, we ask all facilities to:
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Review and be prepared to activate your existing emergency operations plan, including procedures for sustained power outages and possible evacuation or shelter-in-place. If evacuation becomes necessary and your facility needs assistance with medical transportation or patient placement, please contact the Medical Alert Center at (866) 940-4401.
- Verify backup power readiness and communication pathways as conditions evolve.
- Encourage patients to prepare for possible power outages, especially those who rely on electricity-powered medical equipment.
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Monitor situational updates at Emergency-County of Los Angeles (https://lacounty.gov/emergency) and sign up for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov.
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Patient resources on wildfire smoke protection and extreme heat, including cooling center locations, are available at ready.lacounty.gov
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This communication was sent by Dr. Muntu Davis, Health Officer, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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To view this LAHAN in PDF format, view past communications, or sign-up to receive LAHANs, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/lahan.
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