ARCADIA, CA — Arcadia city crews are preparing for the rainy season ahead by clearing storm drains and catch basins, inspecting emergency equipment and making sandbags available to residents ahead of potential storms, the city said.
The Public Works Services, Fire and emergency management teams are working to reduce the risk of flooding, mudflows and other weather-related hazards, according to the city.
The city said Southern California is bracing for a strong El Niño this winter, with the potential for heavy rainfall as early as November.
Public Works crews are clearing gutters, storm drains and catch basins while ensuring debris basins, which are designed to trap runoff, remain functional.
Eight pallets of sandbags are staged at Arcadia Fire Station 107, at 79 W. Orange Grove Avenue, for residents to pick up. The supply includes 600 recently refilled sandbags, and inventory is monitored regularly.
Residents may take up to 20 sandbags per household. No appointment or advance phone call is required, the city said.
Arcadia Fire is coordinating with Public Works on preparations for potential flooding, mudflows, road closures and evacuations. Emergency response training is ongoing, and staff are inspecting generators and completing necessary repairs.
The city also plans to install K-rails, or concrete traffic barriers, above Canyon Road and Highland Vista Drive, an area prone to hillside mudflows during heavy storms.
City officials are encouraging residents to take precautions before the rainy season arrives. Recommended steps include keeping gutters, drains and storm channels clear of debris; securing outdoor furniture and other loose items; and checking that landscaping and drainage systems direct water away from homes.
Residents also were encouraged to prepare emergency kits with several days' worth of food, water, flashlights, batteries, medications and pet food.
The city also urged residents to sign up for Alert Arcadia to receive emergency notifications about severe weather, flooding, road conditions and other critical information.
Residents can enroll at ArcadiaCA.gov/Alert and select text, voice or email notifications, as well as a preferred language. Residents also can text their ZIP code to 888777 to receive text alerts from the Arcadia Police Department.
For more information, contact the Public Works Services Department at 626-254-2720.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Arcadia Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.