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Emergency and Safety Hub

Emergency Management

Throughout history, the residents of Sierra Madre have dealt with various natural hazards affecting the area. Photos, journal entries, and newspapers as far back as the 1800's show residents of the area battling with earthquakes, wildfires, landslides, flooding and wind storms.

 

It is impossible to predict exactly when these disasters will occur, or the extent to which they will affect the City. However, with careful planning and collaboration among public agencies, private sector organizations, and citizens within the community, it is possible to minimize the losses that can result from these natural disasters.

Recent Large Scale Destruction

Eaton Fire 2025 
Information and updates on Eaton Fire visit Eaton Fire Updates

Bobcat Fire 2020
The Bobcat Fire, which ignited on September 6, 2020, posed a significant threat to the city of Sierra Madre. On September 13, as the fire approached the foothill communities, the city declared a state of emergency. Residents near the border shared with Arcadia were ordered to evacuate, though only 32 homes were directly affected by the order. The entire city remained under an evacuation warning as officials closely monitored the fire's progress. By September 19, the immediate threat had subsided, and evacuation warning was lifted. Years have gone by. The fire's aftermath brought ongoing challenges, as the burn scar increased the risk of flooding, debris flows, and mudslides, especially during storms.

Sierra Madre Windstorm 2011
Fierce windstorms battered the city with 140 mph gusts of wind in November 2011. Residents experienced uprooted trees, fallen limbs that blocked streets, tons of debris, and power outages that lasted almost a week. The City paid nearly $700,000 in damages and did not receive any state or federal aid for the 2011 windstorm.

Santa Anita Fire and Mudflows of 2008
Over 550 acres of land burned in April of 2008, costing approximately $2.8 million in damages and mitigation.  In that same year, a May 22 mudslide cost Sierra Madre approximately $50,000 in damages. In response to the Santa Anita fire, a $2.4 million project dedicated to the emergency construction of mudflow protection in Sierra Madre was initiated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Sierra Madre Earthquake of 1991
The damage to City of Sierra Madre businesses, residences, and infrastructure was estimated at about $12.5 million. The City estimates that the earthquake event directly or indirectly affected 80% of the City's 10,650 residents.

Hazard Mitigation Plan

LHMP

City of Sierra Madre Hazard Mitigation Plan Update– Public Review Draft Now Available

The City of Sierra Madre is in the process of updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to enhance community resilience and maintain eligibility for mitigation-related funding before and after major disasters. This plan is updated every five years to reassess risks, refine existing strategies, and develop new actions to reduce the impact of future disasters.

As part of the 2025 HMP update, the Planning Team has identified six key hazards that pose risks to Sierra Madre: earthquakes, drought, flooding, power outages, wildfires, and windstorms. The next phase of the planning process includes assessing the vulnerabilities and potential impacts of these hazards. This involves evaluating critical infrastructure at risk and updating mitigation strategies to reduce future threats.

The First Draft of the Hazard Mitigation Plan is now available for public review. We invite residents, stakeholders, and partner agencies to review the draft and share their feedback by emailing fire@sierramadreca.gov
 no later than October 8, 2025.

Community Involvement and Plan Resources

Public participation is a vital part of this process. This webpage will serve as the central hub for updates and resources related to the Hazard Mitigation Plan. As materials become available—including meeting agendas, presentations, and future drafts—they will be posted here.

Your input is essential to help shape a safer, more resilient Sierra Madre.

New FEMA Guidelines and Social Vulnerability Assessment

FEMA has introduced new requirements for local hazard mitigation plans, emphasizing:

  • Climate change impacts on hazards
  • Identification of socially vulnerable populations
  • Hazard-specific effects on vulnerable groups
  • Enhanced community outreach and engagement

To address these updates, the Planning Team will utilize the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to assess and map at-risk populations. This tool helps emergency managers allocate resources effectively by identifying communities most likely to need additional support during disasters.

 

The City is committed to ensuring transparency and accessibility throughout this planning process. Residents are encouraged to check this webpage regularly for updates, review project materials, and participate in public meetings. Your involvement is essential in helping shape a safer, more resilient Sierra Madre.

For more information, please explore the available documents and resources or contact Amy Hsu, Fire Department Administrative Analyst at (626) 836-0246 or via email at ahsu@sierramadreca.gov.

 

MudFlow Mitigation

Be Prepared for Potential Mud and Debris Flows 

The National Weather Service forecasts rain for the rest of the week. Areas affected by the Eaton Fire remain at high risk for mud and debris flow, which may occur both during and after rainfall. 

Key Actions to Take Now:

 Stay informed – Sign up for emergency alerts. 

 Know your evacuation zone – Use the Genasys Protect App. 

 Prepare your home – Secure property and access mitigation resources. 

 

Stay Alert: Evacuation & Emergency Notifications

Some areas may require evacuation. Be ready and monitor updates. 

How to Check Your Evacuation Status:

  Use Genasys Protect

  Enter your address in the search bar at the top left of the page.

  Press “enter” or click the search icon.

  Your zone will appear on the map with its ID and current status.

 Enter your address to view your evacuation zone and status within the app. 

  Sign Up for Nixle Alerts

  • The city of Sierra Madre sends energy notifications via Nixle Alerts. This service delivers trusted information directly from the Sierra Madre Police Department.
  • Text your ZIP CODE to 888777 for real-time emergency alerts.
  • Register online at this link to receive email and text notifications. 

 

Mudflow Mitigation Efforts

The City of Sierra Madre, in partnership with Los Angeles County, is actively working to reduce mudflow risks. Efforts include: 

  Strategic K-rail placement to divert mudflows. 

  Debris removal from roadways and storm drains. 

  Sandbags distributed to residents. 

  Daily assessments of key impact areas. 

Take action now and prepare your home!

Need property-specific mudflow mitigation advice? 

Contact the LA County Mudflow Hotline at 1-800-933-0930.   

 

City & County Response Efforts

Public Works Coordination: 

Daily meetings with LA County officials to assess key impact areas and coordinate response efforts.

Storm drains and debris basins inspected and cleared as needed.

  • The Sierra Madre Dam debris basin cleared of 2,500 truckloads of debris.
  • Affected burn zones prioritized.

Over 500 feet of K-rail installed based on past fire and mudflow data.

Thousands of sandbags, pre-filled and empty, distributed. 

Evacuation Planning & Safety Measures

If an evacuation is ordered, leave promptly. 

Plan for a potential evacuation in advance. Have a go-bag ready with essential items: 

  • Important documents 
  • Medications 
  • Basic supplies 

Check on neighbors and help them prepare. 

Emergency Response Limitations 

Fire, Police, and Public Works will NOT enter areas experiencing active mudflows. 

If you choose to stay under an evacuation order, you must shelter in place until emergency crews can safely enter. 

 

Temporary Parking Restrictions & Service Changes

No Parking in the Canyon: 

Parking restrictions will be in effect from 9:00 AM, Thursday, February 13 to 9:00 AM, Sunday, February 16. 

Vehicles must be removed from canyon residential areas. 

Athens Trash Collection Suspension: 

 No Thursday, February 13 2025 pickup in canyon residential areas. 

 Do NOT place bins on the street – they could be swept away by mudflows.  

 

Stay Updated

  • Genasys Protect App – Evacuation orders & real-time alerts. 
  • Nixle Alerts – Citywide emergency notifications. 
  • City of Sierra Madre Website– Latest updates & resources. 

Stay informed, be prepared, and take action to protect your home and community! 

City of Sierra Madre 
626-355-7135 
232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 

Contact Us

232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024

(626) 355-7135

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