The City of El Centro Urges Citizens to Prepare for the Arrival of the Remnants of Hurricane Kay
El Centro, CA – September 7, 2022 – City of El Centro Staff are working together and coordinating with outside agencies on the progress of Hurricane Kay. Information from the National Weather Service leads us to believe that we can expect the heaviest showers and thunderstorms from Friday morning into Saturday evening. There may be up to two inches of rainfall between Thursday and Saturday. Wind speed could also gust up to 20-40 mph. There is a risk of flash floods throughout the region as well. We encourage everyone to stay updated regarding weather forecasts, road closures, and press releases. The City will continue to monitor and update information as necessary.
Our Public Works Department reminds City residents and business owners whose properties are prone to flooding that free sandbags are available to help protect their property. Sandbags can be picked up at the Public Works operations yard beginning Thursday, September 8, 2022, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The yard is located at 307 W. Brighton Avenue. Proof of City of El Centro residency is required, and sandbags are limited to 10 per address. Our staff is committed to ensuring the safety of the citizens and visitors of El Centro, and we’re calling on you to prepare with us. Knowing your risk, getting prepared, and staying informed are just a few steps you can take to get ready for this weather event.
Know Your Risk: To search for general information about risks, visit www.ready.gov. You may also check out NOAA’s historical hurricane tracks tool to check the severity and frequency of past hurricanes that have affected our area.
Get Prepared: Take action now and be prepared; as the storm approaches, it is often too late to get ready. Make sure you have family evacuation and communications plans, update your emergency supply kit and evaluate your flood insurance needs.
- Know your zone: Evacuations are more common than people realize. Remember: if a storm threatens your neighborhood and city officials say it’s time to evacuate, don’t hesitate — go early.
- Complete a family communication plan: Get together with your family and agree on how to contact one another in an emergency, identify meeting locations, and make a Family Emergency Communication Plan.
- Download the FEMA app: It includes disaster resources, weather alerts, safety tips, and a new feature that will enable users to receive push notifications on their devices to prepare their homes and families for disasters.
- Check your insurance coverage: Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage or losses from flooding. If you’re not insured against flood, contact your agent or visit http://www.floodsmart.gov. Renter’s insurance policies are also available and should be considered to protect your belongings.
Stay Informed: Know where to go for trusted sources of information during an emergency. Monitor local news for weather alerts, watches, and warnings in your area, and follow the directions of local officials. Make sure you have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio available should the power go out. Locally, KXO Radio AM1230 serves as the local primary Emergency Alert Station.
For additional City of El Centro resources, please like our Facebook page, or you may follow us on Instagram and Twitter. City of El Centro Storm Preparation Information can be found here. If you would like to report storm damage to Public Works during regular business hours, please call (760) 337-4505. For after-hours damage reports, please call (760) 352-2111.
**Sand Bags can be picked up at the Public Works Operations, 307 W. Brighton Ave until 2:00pm
**After 2:00pm, the self-service location has changed to 925 S. 2nd Street.
