Preparing for Fire Season & El Niño

Preparation is Prevention 


Are you prepared?

This year, the Fire Interagency Center and the National Weather Service predict a significantly above normal fire season due to the drought, expected Santa Ana winds, followed by strong El Niño events - many storms and heavy rains. To minimize the impacts to your home or business, the City of Monterey Park encourages you to prepare now, especially if you are already having problems with water runoff, roof leaks, or slope stabilization. Due to the predicted number of El Niño events, there may be little or no time to act during the storms. 

To keep up to date with current or future weather, storms, and alerts, check the National Weather Service Website or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

El Nino Surface Temp 10-21-2015.gif

El Niño is a disruption of the ocean-atmosphere system in the Tropical Pacific having important consequences for weather and climate around the globe.

During anticipated heavy storms, Monterey Park Residents (must show valid ID for proof of residency) may get up to 20 sandbags and one roll of plastic at the Public Works Department, City Yard, 751 S. Alhambra; (626) 307-1281.  Monday through Friday. 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Start Preparing Now -
  • Make sure trees on your property are trimmed and cleaned of dead vegetation.  Make sure the trees are trimmed away from the roof.
  • Hillside properties with slope drains, make sure they are repaired and debris removed.
  • Check and clean your private drains (such as driveway drains, area drains, gutters, and downspouts) before a rain event and after the rain starts.
  • Do not sweep or wash dirt, leaves, and grass clippings into the street or public drains.  If you notice that the drains in the public right of way are covered or clogged, bag and discard or report this to the Public Works Department.
  • If you have a sump pump, make sure it works properly and have a sump pump backup (such as batter backup) in case of power outages.
  • Use sandbags and plastic sheeting to help prevent flooding; however, do not rely on sandbags alone to protect your property.  When the threat of flooding is over, you can recycle the sand with your garden soil.
  • Do not discard debris, grass clippings, construction waste, trimmed tree branches or any other landscaping over hillsides or into wooded areas.  This debris will end up in drainage ditches, which could block inlets or outfalls causing flooding.
  • Clear debris from roof gutters, downspouts, and drains so water can flow and drain properly.
  • If you have problems with drainage, make sure you have a supply of sandbags and other flood prevention materials such as plastic sheeting, plywood, and tarps.
  • Check the roof for leaks or damage.  Pay special attention to areas where separation could occur such as around the chimney.
  • For more information, view the City Council presentation (PDF).

Additional Resource Information: