The first tropical storm to potentially hit California in decades threatens to bring heavy rain and flooding to the southwestern states starting this weekend. Hurricane Hilary is predicted to weaken to a tropical storm when it hits the U.S. The American Red Cross is preparing to respond if necessary and urges people in the area to take the situation seriously and get ready now.
On the current forecast track, Hilary will be the first tropical storm to hit southern California since 1939. The National Hurricane Center reports Hilary could bring significant flooding to southern California and southern Nevada through the middle of next week, with the worst of the storm hitting the region this weekend. Hilary could drop as much as 10 inches of rain in some areas and bring strong winds, flash and coastal flooding, dangerous rip currents and landslides.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Take these steps to prepare.
- First, create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate. Make sure to include your pets as part of your emergency plan.
- Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
- Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders. Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channel for the latest updates.
- Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
It’s critical to listen to the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so. We encourage safety and being out of harm’s way above all. Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means conditions are likely and to stay alert — a warning means act now.
A storm like this can cause dangerous waves and deadly rip currents. People who will be along the coast should be aware of possible rip currents – even if they are far away from a storm. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions. If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore that you need assistance. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
FLOODING SAFETY
- Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
- Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
- Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
- Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters.
- Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
- Offer help to people who require special assistance including older adults, those without transportation, large families, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.
- If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Report them immediately to the power company.
- If any gas or electrical appliances were flooded, don’t use them until they have been checked for safety.
- Dispose of any food that has come into contact with flood water.
- Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.
YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.