Drivers Advised to Take Safety Precautions This Weekend

Ken Kondo, public information officer for the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, has a piece of advice for those who get in their cars this weekend during the 405 closure: "If you have to drive, make sure that your gas tank is full."

Kondo offered this and several other preparation tips for those who cannot avoid driving the freeways or the immediate neighborhoods of the 405 Freeway from Friday night to Monday morning.

In addition to a full gas tank, Kondo recommended that drivers make sure their spare tires are in good operating order.

"Be prepared to have those backup systems available," Kondo said.

Drivers should also carry plenty of snacks and cold water or drinks. People traveling with babies or small children will need an extra large emergency kit, not only with drinks and snacks, but toys to keep restless little ones amused. Carry your medications and a list of them should you need emergency care while stuck in traffic.

A Metro press release also suggested checking traffic reports before leaving home, either by calling 511 or visiting Go511.com. Traffic updates will also be available on local radio stations and on Twitter at Twitter.com/i_405.

Residents are asked not to call 911 unless there is actual emergency. For problems or issues within the city of Los Angeles, residents can call 311 during the extended hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. County residents can call 211. In addition, there is the 405 project hotline, 213-922-3665, which will be monitored throughout the weekend.

Check your local Patch site for a live blog and up-to-the-minute updates on the 405 closure and news in your neighborhood.

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