Thursday, January 21, 2010

Mandatory Evacuation Orders Lifted

City of Sierra Madre: 5:00PM 1/21/2010 City Returns to Yellow Flag Alert – All Mandatory Evacuation Orders Lifted


The City of Sierra Madre has received a “No Phase” forecast from the L.A. County Public Works Department this afternoon. The Red Flag Alert is rescinded and the City will go to a Yellow Flag Alert. At this time, all Mandatory Evacuation Orders are lifted, and residents are allowed to return to their homes. Voluntary Evacuations are still in effect for the entire “Upper” canyon areas, “Lower” canyon areas, Auburn Ave. (private road areas only), and Lotus Lane (above the Sturtevant Debris Basin).

Immediately after receiving the County’s forecast, Sierra Madre Public Works crews surveyed the streets in the Upper and Lower canyons. It was determined that all roads are sufficiently clear and there were no hazards.

It was determined by City Officials, in conjunction with Public Safety personnel, that going to the Yellow Flag Alert was a prudent measure with the amount of rain that has fallen, and the on-going chance of rain and thunderstorms. All vehicles must be off the streets during a Yellow Flag Alert.

Additional Important Information:

o The City has closed the Community Recreation Center at 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd as an evacuation location.

o Sand and sandbags will remain available 24 hours a day at the City Maintenance Facility until further notice. The address is 621 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. The sand and sandbags are located north of the Sierra Vista Park tennis courts, and next to the Sierra Madre Rose Float building. Residents must fill their own bags and are advised to bring a shovel.

o Bailey Canyon Park, Mt. Wilson Trail, and Chantry Road will remain closed until further notice.

The City of Sierra Madre is appreciative of the diligent preparations and friendly cooperation that its residents have demonstrated through all of our recent emergencies.

For updates and future emergency information, please be sure to monitor the City’s Communication tools:

City Website (www.cityofsierramadre.com)

SMTV3, (channel 3 on Time Warner Cable)

Sierra Madre Emergency Blog (www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.)

Email Alerts “eBlasts” - To register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.