Fire Emergency & Preparedness
If you see something on fire, or suspect arson, call 911. For downed power lines, medical, or other emergency, call 911 (you can call 1-800-655-4555 for power lines). For other park utility emergencies or non emergency-security issues, see Management and Law Enforcement.
Notifications
If an emergency or an evacuation order affects Topanga, including Top O’ Topanga, residents will be notified through various channels including direct communication from local authorities. It’s best not to rely on the HOA for time sensitive information.
Instead, you may want to enable emergency alerts on your phone and install apps like: Watch Duty, Genasys, PulsePoint, Citizen, MyShake, ShakeAlert, Alert LA County, Earthquake, Windy, the FEMA app, and others.
You may also want to visit the TCEP, CalFire, LAFD, and LA County Fire websites for emergency information.
It’s also recommended to sign up for notifications from LA County, LA City, and nearby areas: Alert LA County, Calabasas City Notification System, Malibu Disaster Mass Notification, Notify LA, Santa Monica Alerts
Emergency information sources
Bookmark the https://tcep.org website on your smartphone or computer. The Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness (TCEP) provides real-time disaster status updates to residents of Topanga and surrounding areas. (See Red Flag Warnings below.)
Each home should have a copy of the Topanga Disaster Survival Guide which you can download or get a printed copy from the Topanga Library (free or $5 recommended donation). Top O’Topanga is located in Zone 1 of the Topanga Tactical Zone Map.
Each home would benefit from the Family Radio Service (FRS Walkie-Talkies) in case of emergency in Topanga Canyon when cell or other phone services are down. FRS Walkie-Talkies can be purchased for as little as $20 per pair and are easy to operate. The FRS Communications Channel for our Topanga Canyon, Zone 1 is Channel 8. For more information, visit the TCEP resources page and look for the FRS list.
HAM and GMRS radio operators: We can compile a list of FCC licensed TOT residents who would be willing to help in case these communications services are needed during an emergency. Please contact the Onsite Office to be added to the list.
Sign up for Southern California Edison (SCE) Public Safety Public Shutoff (PSP) alerts, during which the SCE is authorized to preemptively shut off electricity to reduce risk to high fire risk areas during extreme weather conditions or other natural events. All planned and/or unplanned power shutdowns must be handled by individuals. The HOA has no responsibility for, or control over, the delivery of electrical utility services.
Emergency preparation resources
The elderly and vulnerable are encouraged to sign up for Sages emails at canyonsages.com or call (818) 225-1909. You may also sign up for Operation Knock: “Sheriff deputies will attempt to knock on your door, to the best of their ability, to check in and assist at-risk people during a disaster or extended blackout.” To do so, email Sages at thecanyonsages@gmail.com.
If you have medical equipment that requires backup power, SCE has programs to help.
SCE provides incentives if you purchase (or have recently purchased) backup power batteries or generators, or solar power systems or solar batteries. The SCE Marketplace also provides information and incentives for smart products, programs, backup batteries, power generators, and solar panels.
We are assembling a list of individuals in TOT with backup power generators they may be willing to share in a shutdown emergency. If you have a generator or power to share, please contact the Onsite Office to be added to the list.
Have an emergency plan for every member of your household, including pets. Visit California Fire Department for more information.
