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By Miriam Raftery
Photo courtesy of Governor Newsom’s office
August 19, 2023 (San Diego) – Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency declaration today while in San Diego, where he visited National Guard troops that he ordered stationed here to protect our region from Hurricane Hilary’s strong winds and torrential rains forecast to slam our region tomorrow.
“California has thousands of people on the ground working hand-in-hand with federal and local personnel to support communities in Hurricane Hilary’s path with resources, equipment and expertise," Gov. Newsom said. "We’re mobilizing all of government as we prepare and respond to this unprecedented storm.”
Over 7,500 people have been dispatched by the Governor to help San Diego and other Southern California communities. The Governor indicated he has also been in touch with federal officials in the Biden administration, including the White House and other agencies, ECM news partner 10 News reports.
The State Operations Center has been activated and will closely monitor rain, wind, flash flooding and possible power outages. The center will also coordinate with state agencies to send resources where they're necessary.
The state’s Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) has assets on standby, including California Medical Assistance Teams (CAL-MAT), to supplement local efforts, aid in evacuations, and help ambulance strike teams.
The Flood Operations Center is activated and has prepositioned flood fighting materials.
The California National Guard has strategically prepositioned more than 350 soldiers and two dozen high water vehicles.
CAL FIRE has prepositioned nine swift water rescue teams and urban search and rescue teams along with 290 strategically prepositioned engines.
Cal OES, through the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, has deployed over 700 local government firefighters and support staff, as well as 15 swift water rescue teams, two urban search and rescue companies and three regional urban search and rescue task forces.
California has also closed state parks and beaches until the storm is over.
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