Emergency Officials Brief the Public on Parade Day Safety

Speaking from a median on Sierra Madre Blvd. near what will be the end of the Rose Parade in about 48 hours, Pasadena Fire Chief Calvin Wells and Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez issued advice and appeals to the public on how to stay safe during the January 1 festivities.

Chief Sanchez said that city emergency personnel recognize that on New Year’s Day “we are the focus of the world” and for that reason “have been consistently and continuously preparing.”

Sanchez said that “extraordinary security measures” are being taken to protect paradegoers, and appealed to the public to help law enforcement by adhering to its “See something, say something” campaign.

“We’re trying to harness the community’s awareness with respect to potential threats or suspicious activity on the parade route,” Sanchez said.

The Chief said that law enforcement, both uniformed and undercover, will maintain a heavy presence along the route.

Sanchez said that campers and paradegoers may stake their spots along the route starting Tuesday, December 31 at noon.

Chief Wells followed up his weekend Red Flag Alert by pointing out that weather predictions call for New Year’s Eve temperatures in the 40’s rising to the mid-70’s by the end of the Parade Wednesday morning. Wells urged paradegoers to hydrate themselves and layer their clothing to cope with the temperature swing.

Wells also reminded paradegoers that home furniture is not allowed along the parade route and that couches and overstuffed chairs are not permitted.

He stressed that warming fires must be carefully managed, and the approved barbeque equipment is best. Wells said fires must moderately sized and care must be taken to avoid igniting bedding and other combustibles which are often closeby along the crowdedroute.

Wells also said that throwing food onto the Parade route will not be tolerated, as it presents a danger to participants.