Imperial Valley expecting hurricane throughout this week 

Imperial County Braces for Hurricane Hillary: Safety Preparations in Full Swing

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Imperial County, CA – As Hurricane Hillary advances towards our region, the Imperial County Fire Department & Office of Emergency Services are issuing urgent advisories to residents. Immediate action is strongly recommended to ensure personal safety and safeguard property. With the storm anticipated to make landfall over the weekend, authorities are underscoring the paramount importance of comprehensive preparedness.

Key Precautions for Residents:

• Emergency Readiness: Residents are strongly encouraged to proactively assemble an emergency kit, comprising essential items like potable water, non-perishable sustenance, batteries, flashlights, first-aid supplies, and vital medications.

• Securing Outdoor Assets: Outdoor items prone to displacement, such as outdoor furniture and decorations, should be properly anchored or relocated indoors to mitigate the risk of becoming airborne projectiles during the storm.

• Steering Clear of Floodwaters: Officials are emphasizing the life-threatening risks associated with traversing floodwaters. With merely six inches of moving water possessing the ability to destabilize a person and a foot of water having the potential to sweep away an entire vehicle, residents are strongly advised to remain at home and curtail non-essential travel.

• Remaining Informed: Staying connected to reliable local sources, including radio, television, and online platforms, is indispensable for real-time updates. The county’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ImperialCntyCA) and the Imperial County Fire Department’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/icfd.oes/) are esteemed resources for the most up-to-date information. For localized updates, residents are advised to consult their respective municipal authorities.

• Supporting Vulnerable Neighbors: Exhibiting a strong sense of community, residents are encouraged to extend assistance to elderly and vulnerable neighbors. Ensuring that they are well-informed about the impending storm and offering aid when feasible can make a notable difference in their safety.

• Safeguarding Residences: To protect their homes from potential damage, homeowners are advised to consider window boarding, if necessary. Additionally, valuables should be elevated to higher floors to mitigate the risk of water damage.

Emphasis on Community Safety:

As the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Hillary looms, officials are reiterating the critical necessity of adhering to local directives and guidelines. By heeding these recommendations, residents can significantly mitigate the potential hazards tied to the storm, contributing to the broader safety of the community.

Residents are strongly encouraged to visit www.ready.gov for comprehensive guidance on risk mitigation and www.weather.gov for the latest weather forecasts and conditions.

By staying informed, acting responsibly, and upholding community solidarity, residents can effectively navigate the upcoming challenge posed by Hurricane Hillary.