Monrovia Residents in Burn Area Prepare for Coming Storm

Monroviaresidents living in the vicinity of the Bobcat Fire burn scar are preparing fora potentially damaging storm, with the possibility of thunderstorms, expectedThursday and into Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the San Gabriel Valley from Thursday at 4 p.m. to Friday at 4 a.m. “Rain rates up to or locally exceeding 0.75 inches per hour are possible,” NWS said. “Significant mud and debris flows are possible near the Lake, Bobcat, Dam, and Ranch 2 burn scars and could affect vulnerable roads and structures.”

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management will be on alert tonight due to the approaching rainstorm that may cause some debris or mud flows in communities that have recently had a wildfire burn nearby.

“Weather experts are telling L.A. County residents to get ready for some heavy rain, and communities located near burn scarred terrain may experience flash floods and mud or debris flows,” stated Kevin McGowan, Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. “ Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives, property and infrastructure if there are emergencies caused by this storm. But, we need collaboration from the public. It is critical for residents to be aware and prepared so that they can help keep themselves safe.”

County officials offered the following safety tips to help residents prepare themselves, their families and homes for rain storms and mud or debris flows:

• Plan Ahead: Develop an emergency plan and know your property’s risk factors for flooding. Place sandbags on your property as needed before rainstorms. Keep your mobile phone and other devices charged with the ringer on so you can receive and hear emergency alerts throughout the night. Have working flashlights for all family members ready and within reach.
• Be Evacuation Ready: If mud or debris flow threaten your community, authorities will issue evacuation orders. Prepare your family, pets and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate. Have a go kit ready with prescriptions and important documents. Park your vehicle facing the street so that you do not have to back out and in the driveway in order to avoid being stuck behind an electricity-operated garage door.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency notification systems available in your community. Identify which system is used by your local law enforcement agency for your neighborhood. Watch local newscasts and have a battery-operated radio handy so that you can access news if the power goes out. Follow verified social media accounts for local government, public safety agencies, and local news using the hashtag #LARain.

Gravel,along with gravel bag materials, are available at Recreation Park (620 S.Shamrock Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016) in the parking lot off East Olive Avenue,near the skate park and Barney Glen Baseball Field. Please note that the gravelbags are self-serve. The city will provide the needed bags and gravel, andresidents must provide their own shovels, gloves and eye protection. To ensurethat there is enough supply for all who may use them, city officials ask thatresidents only take what is needed.

MonroviaCanyon Park is closed due to the risk of mudslides and debris flow.

If you haveany questions or concerns, contact the Public Works Department at (626)932-5575 or email pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

For more preparedness tips, visit ready.lacounty.gov, follow @ReadyLACounty or dial 2-1-1 to request resources and information.  To report storm-related damage or flooding, call LA County Public Works 24-hour Dispatch Center at (800) 675-HELP (4357).

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