Mayor Gordo Urges Pasadenans to Prepare for Expected Tropical Storm, “Please Stay Safe” – Pasadena Now

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo on Saturday urged Pasadenans to prepare for a fierce tropical storm driven by Hurricane Hilary in an email to the community.

“I urge you to continue monitoring Hilary, pay close attention to extreme weather warnings, take the time to be prepared, and check in with your elderly and vulnerable neighbors,” Mayor Gordo wrote.

Gordo pointed out this is the first time since 1939 that a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Greater Los Angeles area. 

He said the City has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is working with community partners to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. 

He also provided information on how residents can prepare, including building an emergency supply kit, obtaining sandbags, and staying informed about weather updates. 

Mayor Gordo emphasized the importance of being prepared for the potential impacts of Hurricane Hilary, which could include power outages, downed trees, wind damage, and flooding in the area. 

The Pasadena Police and Fire Departments will be staffed for all patrol, jail, fire, paramedic and other emergency services. Pasadena’s Water & Power Department will have extra staff on standby and is coordinating with neighboring utility companies for crew support if needed. 

In case of power or water emergencies, Pasadena residents and businesses should call Pasadena Water and Power at (626) 744-4673 for power emergencies or (626) 744-4138 for water-related emergencies. Residents can stay informed about Hurricane Hilary’s progress through the National Weather Service website and Twitter account. Regular updates will provide the latest information on the storm’s trajectory and potential impacts. Residents can also register for emergency alerts through the CityOfPasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS/ website.

Here is the full text of the Mayor’s email:

Dear Neighbors and Friends:

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones well, healthy, and safe.  

For the first time since 1939, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Greater Los Angeles area. I wanted to share with you the preparations our City is taking to ensure we are ready for the potential impacts from Hurricane Hilary – from before the storm arrives, while it’s here, and after should there be damages that require a response.

It is expected Hilary will weaken to a tropical storm as it approaches Southern California, but the potential exists for power outages, downed trees, wind damage, and flooding in our area. The National Weather Service forecasts expect widespread showers and strong winds to arrive in the Pasadena area late Sunday through Monday.

This morning, we activated our Emergency Operations Center as a precaution to ensure we are ready to respond as needed. We are in close contact with the LA County Office of Emergency Management and our community partners — schools, hospital, Humane Society, and Red Cross. We also are working with our partners that assist our most vulnerable community members, especially those who are unhoused, to ensure their safety and well-being during the storm and its aftermath.

Our Police and Fire Departments will be staffed for all patrol, jail, fire, paramedic and other emergency services. Pasadena’s Water & Power Department will have extra staff on standby and is coordinating with our neighboring utility companies for crew support if needed.

How you can prepare:

Build a Kit: Assemble an emergency supply kit that includes essential items such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, etc. Remember that cordless phones do not operate without electricity, charge your cell phones.

Sandbags: The City is providing free sandbags to residents and business owners at Pasadena Fire Stations 37 and 38, limit 10 per Pasadena resident.

Power or Water Emergencies: Pasadena residents and businesses with power emergencies should call Pasadena Water and Power at (626) 744-4673. For water-related emergencies, call (626) 744-4138. 

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

Stay Informed: Register for emergency alerts here: CityOfPasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS/

Stay Safe: Never walk or drive into floodwaters. Watch out for damaged power lines and damaged buildings. Stay home if you can!

For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 9-1-1. 

 

I urge you to continue monitoring Hilary, pay close attention to extreme weather warnings, take the time to be prepared, and check-in with your elderly and vulnerable neighbors.

Please stay safe.

Mayor Victor M. Gordo