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Storm Preparedness

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 Dr.  
    • Council District 4 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Dr.   
    • Council District 5 - Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Dr.   
    • Council District 6 - Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Dr.   
    • Council District 7 - Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.   
    • Council District 8 - San Ysidro Community Activity Center, 179 Diza Rd.   
    • Council District 8 – Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.
    • Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation 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 take advantage of tools for better understanding 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 out on the street for collection, place each bin approximately two to three feet away from the curb, so they do not impede the stormwater flowing on the street.
  • 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. Water levels can rise fast once storms start. 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. PDF icon Know a safe route out. PDF icon Folleto en Español.

After Rains Pass

  • 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 that may exist in your area, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, and tsunamis.

Important Online Resources to Keep You Safe

Weather Information Resources