Preparing for Tropical Storm Hilary: Essential Steps to Stay Safe

Our top priority at ACS Security is the safety and well-being of our clients and their properties, especially during the approach of a tropical storm. We are closely monitoring the situation and want to assure you that our monitoring center is fully redundant. This means that even if we lose power in our Bel Air office, we have a backup solution in place to continue monitoring and dispatching our patrol officers.

Here are some essential steps and considerations to help you prepare for the storm:

• Secure Outdoor Equipment: Ensure all outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment are safely anchored or stored indoors. Strong winds can blow around unsecured items and pose a threat to property and people.
• Security Systems: If you lose power, your system will likely start beeping once it uses the battery backup. The battery backup can last between 24hrs.?When the power returns, your panel?battery?should recharge within 24-48 hours. If power is completely lost, the system should restore to its previous arming status once it is back on. If your panel was armed before losing power, it should be armed when power restores to your system. If your panel battery does not recharge within 48 hours of the power returning, you may need to replace your battery – so give us a call if that occurs. We can assist if needed when your panel starts beeping, or you can search for ways to shut off the beeping here: ACS Customer Knowledge Base
• Stay Informed: Stay updated on the storm’s progress through trusted news sources. Knowledge of its path and potential impact will help you make timely decisions. Here is a good one:?LA County Emergency Page
• Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials like bottled water, medications, and flashlights.?Additional preparation tips can be found HERE.
• Limit Movement: During the storm, avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary.
• ?Avoid Floodwaters: If there's flooding, avoid driving or walking through standing water. As little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and two feet can sweep your vehicle away. Here is a list of counties also supplying free sandbags and where to get them:?Where Sandbags are Available
• Possibility of Mud Slides: When you are near a stream or channel, it is important to stay alert for any sudden changes in water flow or the water becoming murky. These could be indications that a landslide is about to occur. To stay safe, avoid river valleys and low-lying areas, and never attempt to cross a road with flowing water or mud. Also, it is important never to cross a bridge if you see fast-flowing water, as it can quickly become too dangerous to escape. If you find yourself in the path of a landslide, immediately move uphill as quickly as possible to avoid the danger.
• After the Storm: After the storm passes, inspect your property for damage. Notify us if your security system has been compromised or if you need assistance.
• Stay Vigilant: Post-storm conditions can still be hazardous, and looting or other criminal activities can potentially exist. Stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to local authorities and our monitoring center.

Your safety is our utmost concern. We are here to assist you throughout the storm and its aftermath. If you have questions or need support, please do not hesitate to contact us. Stay safe and prepared.

Your team at ACS Security. 310.475.9016