WOODLAND HILLS—An unidentified man was left trapped in the afternoon of Monday, January 18, after a tree had fallen on him in Woodland Hills.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the incident occurred before 2:15 p.m. on the 22000 block of Buena Ventura Street.

LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said that no additional information regarding the victim or his condition has been released. Though the cause of the tree’s collapse is still under investigation, Humphrey stated it is likely due to the recent, major rain storms.

While intense, heavy showers will be in great force within the next few days, the fire department encourages everyone to be as fully prepared as possible in the event of a life-threatening situation due to the thunderstorms.

The department’s site lafd.blogspot.com states: “When rainstorms impact the Los Angeles area, flood control channels, rivers, and arroyos can quickly fill with fast-moving water, creating a potentially life-threatening danger to anyone who gets caught or swept away.”

The department recommends the following useful tips:
FLOOD PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS:

  • Ensure that all drains, gutters and downspouts are functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings.
  • Keep ground-level drains and drainage areas (ditches, swales, small channels) free of debris.
  • Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding.
  • Identify and collect important documents that you may require in case of evacuation.
  • Contact your insurance agent to assure that your flood and storm coverage is adequate and in effect.
  • Review your Family Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Supply Kit that includes food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear and first aid supplies.
  • Plan for the needs of pets at home and if you are evacuated.
  • Keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.
  • Identify the safe routes from your home or workplace to high ground.
  • Establish out-of-state family contacts so that friends and relatives can determine your location and status.
  • If necessary, consult an engineer or licensed contractor to design or build permanent water and debris control systems for your property.
  • Landscape slope areas with plants that are fire retardant and suitable for erosion control.
  • Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hand tools and other materials handy for addressing stormwater issues.