The Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness (TCEP) is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been operating continuously for over 30 years.

We have a two-fold mission: to help the Topanga community prepare for and respond to disasters like fires, earthquakes and floods; and to provide accurate, verified updates during emergency incidents through our website (tcep.org/EmergencyStatus), telephone hotline (310-455-3000) and X (formerly Twitter) @TCEP90290.

To keep providing these community services, we rely on large and small donations from individuals and businesses to cover our operating expenses, including phones, radio networks, insurance, utilities, website management and infrastructure maintenance.

Consider making a 2024 tax-deductible donation to TCEP

TCEP volunteers have been instrumental in producing and promoting:

• Fire (Weather) Alert radios — Special radios that can alert you to a major wildfire and provide evacuation information even if the power is out. TCEP lobbied local and state agencies for four years to get this system in place.
• FRS Top of the Hour reports — During major incidents when TCEP is activated, we transmit incident updates at the top of each hour over FRS channel 15. This may be one of the only ways for you to get incident updates if Edison has shut off the power.
• Evacuation plans — TCEP is working closely with LA County Fire and Sheriff to help design evacuation protocols for Topanga residents.
• Home backup power options — Topanga is dependent on electricity for all communications so having backup power for your home’s communication router may help you maintain internet and phone service when grid power goes down.

TCEP needs your time and skills in addition to (or instead of) your dollars

Did you know volunteering makes people happier? Research has proven that volunteering not only helps others but it’s also good for your physical and mental well-being.

“Compared to non-volunteers, volunteers have less depression, less anxiety, higher self-esteem, higher life satisfaction, greater happiness, and a greater sense of meaning in life.” — Jeffrey Burr, Professor of Gerontology at UMass Boston.

The current TCEP leadership team has been running the organization for a few decades and we wholeheartedly agree with Professor Burr. We’re ready and willing to train the next generation of volunteers so TCEP can keep serving the community for years to come. If you value what TCEP does, and want to learn how we do it, consider volunteering.

Topanga residents, watch your snailmail boxes for our annual fundraising mailer coming in late November or early December 2024. 

Thank you for your financial and volunteering support!