Full Notification

With the biggest rain storm expected since February arriving early this week, it is important to be prepared by following these tips from the Pasadena Fire Department:

• Sign up for local emergency alerts at www.cityofpasadena.net/fire/PLEAS and here on Nixle
• Do not call 9-1-1 unless you have a life-threatening emergency.
• Before the rainstorm hits, make sure your roof, retaining walls, etc., are in good shape and that rain gutters and downspouts are cleared of debris.
• Turn off sprinklers and irrigation systems.
• Make sure pets are indoors or have safe cover.
• Unless you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, you should be prepared to be your own first responder for up to 72 hours. Visit www.cityofpasadena.net/disaster to learn more.
• Stay indoors during rainstorms if possible.
• Stay away from storm drain channels, the Arroyo Seco flood control channel and any flooded areas.
• If you must drive, be cautious and allow extra time for travel. California law requires that headlights must be turned on whenever windshield wipers are in use, even during daytime hours.
• If you are driving and see flooded roads ahead, turn around. About 80 percent of all flood-related deaths occur when drivers try to navigate flowing water.
• For properties in hillside areas with the potential for mudslides, free sandbags and sand may be available at Fire Station 37, 3430 E. Foothill Blvd; and Fire Station 38, 1150 Linda Vista Ave. Call (626) 744-4675 to ask about availability.
• In case of mudslides or flooding, never stay in an area where raw sewage accumulates and make sure no part of your body touches raw sewage. If you do come in direct bodily contact with raw sewage, consult with your family physician immediately. To report raw sewage, call the Street Maintenance and Integrated Waste Management Division of the Public Works Department at (626) 744-4087. To learn about proper cleaning of a home and personal belongings that have been contaminated by raw sewage, call the Environmental Health Division of the Public Health Department at (626) 744-6004.
• There are a small number of private roads in Pasadena, which are not public property. Owners of private roads are solely responsible for damages due to mudslides and other issues.
• Potential mosquito breeding can be found anywhere there is standing water in discarded tires, rain gutters, containers, decorative ponds and potted plants. Standing water should be emptied immediately after a rainstorm. To report standing water along public streets and sidewalks, call the Environmental Health Division of the Public Health Department at (626) 744-6004.
• Beware of scams. Anyone claiming to be roofers and home-improvement contractors must be licensed and bonded. More information is available on the Contractors State License Board website at www.cslb.ca.gov (click on Consumers). If people claim to be City of Pasadena employees and approach residents with a demand for payment for permit fees, repairs or power restoration, they are scammers. Call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241 if you suspect a scam.
• To report power outages, call (626) 744-4673. To report building damage, call (626) 744-4200. To report a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
• Check on neighbors who may require special assistance, especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities and minors who are home alone.