To help San Diegans prepare for the rain this week, residents may get sandbags at any San Diego fire station and the lifeguard stations in Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores and Pacific Beach.
There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household or business. Sandbags will only be available when personnel are at the station. Should they arrive to find the crew is on an emergency call, people may want to purchase sandbags from a retailer that carries them.
While they are able to provide the sandbags, the fire stations will not have sand available. People with access to the beach areas will be allowed to use beach sand.
The County of San Diego is offering sandbags to people in unincorporated areas to help protect homes, neighborhoods and streets from flooding and soil erosion problems. Current forecasts are suggesting the rain could last throughout the weekend and into early next week.
Because the region has been battling drought for several years, rains can cause soil erosion, especially in areas that are not covered by lawns, trees, shrubs and plants. Water runoff, and especially mud and debris flows, can damage homes and properties, flood roadways, and clog storm drains and culverts.
Never cross a flooded roadway if you cannot see the pavement. Even a few inches of water running at the right velocity can sweep a car, and even a truck, and its occupants off the roadway and downstream. You don’t want a swift-water rescue as part of your travel plans.
During and immediately after heavy rainfall, do not go near storm channels, creeks or streams.
If you plan on taking a trip to the mountains, it’s always a good idea to carry tire chains. Road condition updates, chain controls and other safety advisories are posted on Public Works’ Facebook and Twitter. County Department of Public Works road crews are expected to be plowing the mountain highway, so watch out for crews and equipment, and do not park in the roadway. If you’re heading up to enjoy the expected snow, never let your children — or anyone — sled down hills and across roads or the highway. You never know when a snowplow may be coming around the bend.
During severe weather events, the Public Works Emergency page is activated with the latest information.