Rose Parade Safety Tips from Pasadena Fire & Police Departments

Security is tight to ensure everyone has a fun and safe time. – File photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News

As the 130th Rose Parade approaches on Pasadena’s Fire and Police departments are issuing the following safety tips for the thousands of overnight campers who will line the route on New Year’s Eve. The parade route will be a safer place if everyone follows the rules and regulations intended for the safety of all parade-goers.

What you can do:

• Overnight camping is permitted only on the night of Dec. 31.
• A position on the sidewalk may be maintained along the parade route beginning at noon Dec. 31. All persons and property, such as blankets, chairs and personal items, must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. At that time, spectators may move out to the blue “Honor Line” but not past it.
• Small, professionally manufactured barbecues, elevated at least 1-foot off the ground, are allowed on the parade route as long as they are 25 feet from buildings and other combustibles. A fire extinguisher must be readily available.
• Minors under the age of 18 may be on the parade route from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. if they are supervised by an adult.
• Attendees should dress for cold weather. Children and seniors may need extra layers of clothing to avoid hypothermia. Remember to pack hats and gloves.
• Drink healthy fluids and consume nourishing meals to avoid dehydration.
• If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity and packages to emergency authorities along the parade route.
• In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 and know the cross streets from where you are calling. For a non-emergency, call (626) 744-4241.

What you can’t do:

• Appearance in the parade is prohibited for any entries/marchers who have not been approved by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Stay off the street and do not pass the blue “Honor Line.”
• Tents, sofas and boxes of any type that can be used as stools or seats are prohibited along the route.
• Unoccupied chairs are not allowed and will be removed from the parade route.
• Bonfires are strictly prohibited and considered “illegal burns.”
• All fireworks are prohibited except as part of scheduled official events.
• No items may be sold along the parade route without a city permit.
• Selling space along the parade route, other than grandstand seating, is illegal.
• It is illegal to buy, sell or give away horns on the parade route.
• No public areas—sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets, ramps—may be cordoned or roped off.
• No ladders or scaffolding may be used as elevation for viewing the activities.
• Pets are not recommended along the parade; keep them safe at home.
• Throwing any object into the parade; or at passing vehicles or pedestrians the night before the parade is dangerous and prohibited. Violators can be cited and property seized.
• Unauthorized vehicles obstructing emergency travel lanes or parked in restricted areas will be towed; at owners’ expense. No exceptions.
• Open containers of alcohol are illegal on public streets, sidewalks and all other public areas. Violators may be cited or arrested.
• Sale, possession and use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.

Enhanced security measures will be in effect on the parade route. Pasadena Police Officers will resolve problems quickly and remove from the scene anyone violating the law or disturbing the peace. Also, police canine teams will be patrolling Colorado Boulevard.

Colorado Boulevard will once again close to motor vehicles earlier than in prior years for the staging of the Tournament of Roses Parade. Colorado Boulevard will close beginning at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 and will remain closed through the conclusion of the staging and clean-up following the parade. The parade route will re-open by 2 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2019.

If you plan to host an event, viewing party, or anticipate vendor deliveries, and your property’s access is via Colorado Boulevard, let your guests and vendors know that they must arrive prior to 10 p.m. or park in areas without restricted parking and walk in.

The Pasadena Fire Department responds to more than twice the number of calls on parade day than on average days. These calls include reports of hypothermia, illegal burning, miscellaneous medical issues, assaults and alcohol-related incidents. Be safe and smart.

For more information about Rose Parade safety, rules and regulations, visit visitpasadena.com, cityofpasadena.net/police or call the Pasadena Fire Department at (626) 744-7276.

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