As you may be aware, San Diego County may experience some intense weather this weekend because of Hurricane Hilary that has formed in the Pacific Ocean, just south of Baja California. Although forecasters say it’s likely to be downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reaches our county, there is the potential for extreme weather such as high winds, flash flooding, rain, and thunderstorms Sunday through Tuesday.
The Poway Unified School District will be monitoring the storm as it makes its way toward the region and will communicate with you through our regular channels if the storm has any impact on school facilities or operations. We care about the safety of our community and encourage you to sign up for Alert San Diego and visit the County of San Diego website to boost your personal preparedness for storms and flooding. The San Diego County Office of Education has also compiled the following resources and tips to stay safe during rain and flooding:
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.