Tips for Staying Safe During Rain and Flooding

San Diego is expecting rainy and windy conditions across the county due to Hurricane Hilary forming in the Pacific Ocean, just south of Baja California. Although the storm is likely to be downgraded, combined, rain and wind can cause damage and flooding, so it's important to plan ahead and take precautions. Monitor weather conditions on the National Weather Service website or your favorite weather website. 

Resources for Schools

• The California Department of Education has a variety of information and resources to help districts and schools prepare for flooding.
• Ready.gov for kids has some kid-friendly tips to help prepare for floods and other natural disasters. 
• A Kid-Friendly Guide To Handling A Weather Emergency While At School - Weather.com
   

Tips to Prepare for the Storm and Stay Safe

• Monitor the National Weather Service or local media for information about when severe weather will affect your community. The National Weather Service also has safety tips for hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and more.
• Flash flooding is possible across the region, with rare and dangerous flooding possible across the mountains and deserts.
• During the storm, avoid driving unless it is necessary.  If you must drive, do not drive through standing water. Turn around, don’t drown. Don’t drive around barriers and avoid crossing running water in your car or on foot.
• If you see a downed powerline, always assume it is energized, stay away, and do not touch it or any other electrical equipment nearby. Call 911 or San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) at 1-800-411-7343 to report it.
• If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the area. From a safe location, call 911 or call SDG&E at 1-800-611-7343.
• County Public Works crews, equipment, and supplies will be staged throughout the county.  If you see road crews, please give them space to work.
• Health and Human Services is doing outreach for unhoused and people living in encampments. If you need help, please call 2-1-1.
• Prepare a disaster plan for your family.  Visit alertsandiego.org for a guide to preparing a disaster plan.
• Create a go-kit in case your family needs to evacuate. Consider water for each person in your family, food, a first aid kit, important documents, prescription medications, a radio, and a flashlight.  
• The County of San Diego has a list of locations where you can find sand bags. 
• To receive emergency notifications for this and all disasters, register for alerts at alertsandiego.org and download the SD Emergency mobile app.