Before the Storm

San Diego 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 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 two to three feet away from the curb so as not to impede the stormwater flowing on the street. 
• Proactively turn off irrigation to save water and minimize runoff. 
• Inspect your property or surroundings for loose tree branches or trees that could be vulnerable to high winds and rain and prepare accordingly. 
• Know the safest routes to and from your home or property should flooding occur. 

Sandbag Locations:

Sandbags are also available in limited supply and can be picked up at 10 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 and landscape suppliers. Sandbags are available at the locations listed below Monday through Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. 

• 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 Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive.   
• 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 Road.   
• Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.   

Santa Clara Recreation Center, located at 1008 Santa Clara Pl., will serve as an additional sandbag distribution site. 

When the Storm Arrives

• Report events such as flooding or downed trees by using the Get It Done application or by calling 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.
• Follow all instructions issued by public safety personnel.
• Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding.  
• Drive carefully! Slow down and do not drive through standing water.

Help Your Network Prepare

If you found this information helpful, we encourage you to share it with your network by forwarding this message and/or sharing the graphic (below) on social media. Let's make sure everyone in San Diego is prepared for the storm!

For more information and resources on how to properly prepare before a storm, please visit the City’s Storm Preparedness page.