NEWS

City prepares for rainstorms

(Nov. 5) With rain in the forecast this week, the City of San Diego is making storm preparations and reminding residents that free sandbags are available. Sandbags are in limited supply and can be picked up at nine recreation centers centrally located in each City Council District.

Residents with identification showing proof of residency can receive up to 10 empty sandbags. As the sandbags are not pre-filled, residents are encouraged to also plan to buy sand at local hardware stores, landscape suppliers or wherever else sand can be purchased. Sandbags are available at the locations listed below only Monday through Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m.

Council District 1 – Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive
Council District 2 – Robb Athletic Field, 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 Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive
Council District 6 – North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.
Council District 7 – Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.
Council District 8 – San Ysidro Community Activity Center, 179 Diza Road
Council District 9 – City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.

When arriving at recreation centers, residents are asked to wear facial coverings and practice physical distancing under County of San Diego health guidelines related to COVID-19.

City preparations for the impending rain are underway including placing “no parking” signs in low-lying and other flood-prone areas, sweeping critical locations around drains and inlets that typically experience heavy debris build-up, monitoring storm drain locations and installing bypass pumps where the infrastructure may be overwhelmed by storm waters.

During the rains, multiple crews from the City’s Storm Patrol will be actively monitoring areas in the city and responding to instances including temporary flooding and downed trees or tree branches.

Just as preparations are underway citywide, residents can individually prepare for the rains and help reduce the risk of flooding near their homes and properties by taking a few simple steps:

Sweep and pick up trash, leaves, grass clippings and other debris that collect around the storm drains and curb gutters near your home.
Keep the lid securely closed on trash and recycle bins when placing them out on the street for collection. Place each bin approximately 2 to 3 feet away from the curb so as not to impede the storm water flowing on the street.
Know the safest routes to and from your home or property should flooding occur.
Slow down and do not drive, ride or walk through flood waters.

Residents can report events such as flooding or downed trees by using the Get It Done application (https://www.sandiego.gov/get-it-done) or by calling (619) 527-7500. As always, call 9-1-1 in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

For more information and resources on how to prepare before the rains, and what to do during and after rains, visit the City’s Storm Preparedness webpage.