Winds Wreak Havoc, City Emergency Declared, Schools Closed

[Updated 9:15 a.m. Dec. 1, 2011] A local state of emergency was declared for Pasadena early this morning and the Emergency Operations Center was activated overnight, city officials say.

City of Pasadena crews are thoroughly assessing damage throughout the community so responses can be more targeted with respect to fallen trees, downed power lines, and damaged facilities.

Pasadenans are advised to stay home if possible until the wind situation improves because some roads are impassable and many trees remain fragile throughout the community.  Many streets are barricaded due to fallen trees and/or downed power lines. We are in the process of clearing trees off major arterial streets and restoring power as quickly as possible.

Pasadena public libraries, public schools, Maranatha High School and Pasadena City College will be closed today.

Dial-A-Ride service will be operational for non-emergency medical appointments only. Pasadena ARTS buses are not in service and be restored to service by this afternoon.

A shelter for displaced families has been established at Robinson Park Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., where Red Cross workers are assisting as well.

The Zero Waste Strategic Plan workshops and the World AIDS Day event scheduled for today have been canceled.

Overnight there were several structure fires, with patients transported by paramedics to local hospitals.

City officials urge people not to call 9-1-1 or other emergency numbers unless you have a life-threatening emergency. Do not approach or attempt to move downed power lines. Pasadena Water and Power crews are responding as quickly as possible; they are not responding to downed cable TV lines.

Two information phone lines have been established for the public – (626) 564-0199 and (626) 564-0299 – and the city website at www.cityofpasadena.net is being updated as necessary.