Today, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) discussed its preparations for the impending Hurricane Hillary. The department expresses gratitude for the presence of its partners and emphasizes their readiness for the storm.
Sheriff Robert Luna urges the public, ” Please listen to your news as closely as possible for the next several days. Please have an emergency plan and check on your family and friends who are in impacted areas.”
Hurricane Hillary is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, storm surge, rough seas, and potential tornadoes. It is predicted to weaken to a tropical storm by the time it reaches the California coast on Sunday evening into Monday.
LASD has been actively coordinating with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management and other county departments to ensure the community’s safety. They have mobilized search and rescue teams, swift water rescue personnel, and rescue aircraft on standby, with additional teams scheduled for deployment. The department’s operations center will manage and coordinate all resources during the storm.
LASD is committed to informing the public through the Sheriff’s Information Bureau, providing updates and preparedness messages. They encourage residents to follow LASDHQ on social media and sign up for emergency alerts for Los Angeles County. Additionally, LASD is collaborating with homeless outreach partners to assist the homeless population in riverbeds, particularly considering the impending storm.
Efforts are underway to assess and communicate potential dangers in riverbeds, and LASD will work closely with local law enforcement to address any issues. The department is also in contact with police chiefs throughout Los Angeles County to ensure effective communication and coordination.
The LASD’s reserve forces, mounted enforcement detail, community-oriented policing teams, and mental evaluation teams will assist with security checks along riverbeds and waterways. On Catalina Island, the Avalon station collaborates with various agencies to ensure community safety, including evacuation routes, rescue plans, and medical support.
“This is really all hands-on deck effort,” said Fourth District, Board of Supervisors, Janice Hahn. Hahn continued to express her concern for the well-being of the unhoused, ” Our Homeless Initiative Teams, in collaboration with our Sheriff’s Department and Public Works, are reaching out to them.”
The LASD and other county departments are working together to inform and prepare the community for the impending storm, hoping to minimize damage and prevent loss of life. They emphasize the importance of staying informed through official channels, having an emergency plan, and checking on loved ones in high-impact areas.
Kevin McGowan from the Office of Emergency Management emphasizes the importance of being prepared, “It distills down to get ready, sign up for alerts, and make a plan.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stands ready to serve the County of Los Angeles and neighboring counties as needed and urges residents to stay vigilant and prepared in the coming days.
To sign up for alerts for the County of Los Angeles, go to the following link: ready.lacounty.gov/alerts
