Getting prepared for a storm is a team effort. City crews are working hard to prepare storm drains, roadways and City facilities. This effort also requires help from San Diego residents and businesses.

Before it Rains

• Report non-emergency problems including but not limited to blocked storm drains, potholes and broken street lights via the Get it Done app.
• Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers.
• Create a family communication plan to stay in touch with loved ones.
• Prepare your pets. Have transportation ready for all larger animals under your responsibility.
• If needed, empty sandbags are available at the following recreation centers. Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per City of San Diego household or business, and sand is not provided.
  • Council District 1 - Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.  
  • Council District 2 (inland) - North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.  
  • Council District 2 (coastal) - Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St. 
  • Council District 3 - Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive.  
  • Council District 4 - Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive.   
  • Council District 5 - Scripps Ranch Community Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive.   
  • Council District 6 - Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive.   
  • Council District 7 - Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.   
  • Council District 8 - San Ysidro Community Activity Center, 179 Diza Road.   
  • Council District 8 – Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.
  • Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation Swim and Tennis Center, 4380 Landis St.  
• Prepare your home for an emergency.
• Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and use tools to better understand flood risks.
• Know the safest routes to and from home should flooding occur.
• Prepare your small business for an emergency.
• When placing your trash, yard and recycle bins on the street for collection, place each bin approximately 2 to 3 feet away from the curb so they do not impede the flow of stormwater.
• Sweep up trash, sediment, and debris, and dispose of construction waste in the trash to avoid having these items enter and block the stormwater collection system.

When Rains Arrive

• Report flooding to the City's emergency dispatch center at 619-527-7500
• For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.
• Report downed electrical lines or gas emergencies to San Diego Gas & Electric at 800-411-7343.
• Leave early if your property is in a flood zone. Once storms start, water levels can rise fast. Do not hesitate to move if you see rising water.
• Follow all instructions issued by public safety personnel.
• Drive carefully! Take your time getting home or to work.
• Slow down and do not drive through standing water. Know a safe route out. Folleto en Español.

After Rains Pass

• You can report non-emergency problems, including—but not limited to—blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken street lights, via the Get it Done app.
• Contact your property insurance carrier to report damages to your property and learn how to file a claim with the City for flood damage.

Important Online Resources to Keep You Prepared

• Ready San Diego - A resource website for emergency preparedness in San Diego County.
• Ready (Federal) - A federal campaign that educates and empowers Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, such as natural and man-made disasters.
• Flood Preparedness - A California Department of Water Resources page to help residents prepare for a flood.
• California Office of Emergency Services - A State of California website that provides information on potential natural hazards in your area, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, and tsunamis.

Important Online Resources to Keep You Safe

• San Diego County Emergency Site - Follow regional, emergency news updates from the County of San Diego.
• Emergency Notification System - Register for Alert San Diego, a system that allows the City to notify residents within an area of an emergency.

Weather Information Resources

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Keep up with active weather alerts and news from NOAA.
• Weather.com - Check your local forecast.
• National Weather Service Forecast Office (San Diego) - See National Weather Service reports and outlooks for San Diego.