Ahead of an oncoming storm expected to drench the region starting Thursday evening, the city of San Diego has announced its preparations and offered tips and sandbags to city residents.
“Our dedicated city employees work hard all year to maintain stormwater infrastructure,” said Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder. “We’ve been preparing for the rainy season and we encourage residents to take simple precautions around their homes to help prevent flooding in their neighborhoods.”
The city’s Stormwater Department will clean storm drains and inlets with a history of debris buildup and sweep streets to reduce trash and pollutants entering waterways.
City staff will monitor more than 46,000 storm drains during the rainy weather, and recently cleared channels in the Chollas Creek area.
The county added that there are last-minute preparations that can be done by individuals and businesses to help storm cleanup and recovery:
- Quickly inspect area for trash, debris, and spills requiring immediate cleanup.
- Sweep up and dispose of debris on the ground into appropriate containers; secure lids.
- Empty recyclables, trash, and manure containers to prevent overflowing or pre-arrange to have them hauled away.
- Clean up spills immediately using dry clean-up methods which don’t involve the use of water, such as sweeping, wiping, or vacuuming to clean up grease spots and fluid spills.
- Cover equipment and materials stored outdoors to avoid coming into contact with stormwater runoff; use tarps to cover piles of soil or mulch.
- Have sandbags, gravel bags, and straw wattles handy for emergency erosion control. W
- Turn off your sprinkler system, if applicable.
The county also suggested steps to help prevent erosion and flooding:
- Protect any sloped areas to prevent flooding and sediment from being washed by rain into our storm drain system.
- Clear storm drains of vegetation, litter, and built-up sediment to prevent blockages.
Residents can report storm-related issues, such as flooding or downed trees, by using the Get It Done app or by calling (619) 527-7500. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Sandbags are also available in limited supply and can be picked up at 11 recreation centers in each City Council District. Sandbags are limited to ten bags per household or business; sand is not provided.
Sandbags are available at:
- Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.;
- North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.;
- Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St.;
- Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive;
- Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive;
- Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive;
- Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive;
- Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.;
- Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Drive;
- Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.; and
- City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.
San Diego is also taking precautions to protect residents at Safe Sleeping Program sites and other homeless shelter locations by fortifying some areas with sandbags. Outreach teams have been in the San Diego River and other areas alerting people of coming rain and offering resources.
People experiencing homelessness can call 211 or visit 211sandiego.org for resources.
