sole lifeline. the three other stations are closing for the storm. virgil fernandez is fire chief. >> what we want to do is make sure that our equipment is able to rerespond afterwards. we will keep a contingency here at one of the fire stations. but we don't want to mess up our equipment and not be able to respond. reerpt today, firefighter . >> reporter: the city has also announced first responders will not be responding at some point. >> after 40 miles an hour, we can't safely send personnel out in the street. >> reporter: residents planning to stay have been warned. >> when you hear the warnings, do you stop and pause? >> i think about it. everybody panics, but i try to remain calm. i take it as any other hurricane. >> we are preparing as best we can. >> reporter: the approaching storm, a twist of fate for chief