Ahead of Oncoming Major Storms, Pasadena Officials Urge Safety Preparations

Pasadena City officials said Friday they were actively monitoring approaching winter storms and taking proactive steps to prepare for potential impacts and to provide essential resources to the public. The series of major storms is expected to bring heavy sustained rain, possible flooding, and strong winds through at least Wednesday and likely until next weekend.

Pasadenans were urged to stay informed,  have essential supplies ready, and make an action plan in case of an emergency.

“Have an emergency plan for your family, friends, and neighborhood so that you can stay safe and connected during an emergency,” said Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian. “This includes making a list of emergency contacts, identifying meeting points if you are separated, and having two ways to get in and out of your home and neighborhood.”

Residents should assemble emergency supply kits that include essential items such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, solar-powered USB chargers, personal hygiene items, and important documents in a waterproof container, she said.

More detailed information about what to pack in an emergency kit can be found at ready.gov/kit.

Sandbags are available for pickup at Fire Station 37, at 3430 E. Foothill Blvd., and Fire Station 38, at 1150 Linda Vista Ave. The limit is 10 bags per resident. Fire personnel are available to assist with loading if they’re not responding to a call, Derderian said.

City fire officials told residents that in case of flooding, do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, using the slogan, “Turn around. Don’t drown!” Avoid driving except in emergencies. Regular updates will provide the latest information on the storm’s trajectory and potential impacts.

“We have taken proactive measures to inspect areas of concern throughout the city and will increase our staffing during the storm activity,” Derderian said. “We are also ready to call in additional resources to assist if needed.”

Pasadena residents and businesses with any power emergencies should call Pasadena Water and Power at (626) 744-4673. For water-related emergencies, call (626) 744-4138. For more information, visit PWPweb.com.

Pasadena Police and Fire Departments will be staffed for all patrol, jail, fire, paramedic and other emergency services. For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 9-1-1.

Officials also urged all residents to be prepared and sign up today for emergency alerts and other information from the City by joining the City’s Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System, or PLEAS. Visit CityOfPasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS/ to register today.

The City offered other detailed tips:

1. Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan for your family, friends and neighborhood so that you can stay safe and connected during an emergency. This includes making a list of emergency contacts, identifying meeting points if you are separated, and having two-ways to get in and out of your home and neighborhood.
2. Emergency supplies: The City encourages residents to assemble emergency supply kits that include essential items such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, solar-powered USB chargers, personal hygiene items, and important documents in a waterproof container. If you have a pet, make sure you’ve got enough food, water and necessary medicine for them too, along with a pet carrier and items like a leash or litter box. Preparedness kits will help individuals and families sustain themselves during and after the storm. Visit Ready.gov/Kit to view more detailed information about what to pack in your emergency kit.
3. Outdoor items: Store outdoor items inside such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas, gardening tools, and all other items that can damage property with high winds.

Weather Updates: Stay informed about the storm’s progress through the National Weather Service website and Twitter (X) account. Regular updates will provide the latest information on the storm’s trajectory and potential impacts.