Prepare for More Rain and Possible Flooding

While many people across San Diego County are still recovering and cleaning up damages from storms that brought record rainfall to the region Jan. 22, more rain and high winds are forecast to cross the county starting Thursday, Feb. 1.  

The City of San Diego issued a voluntary evacuation warning (which differs from an evacuation order) to people living in the floodplain areas in these neighborhoods: Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, San Ysidro, Sorrento Valley, and Mission Valley. The city says the warning applies to low-lying areas that endured flooding on Jan. 22.

It's important to plan ahead and take precautions. Have a family communications plan and involve older students in building an emergency kit with items needed if you must evacuate quickly. Monitor weather conditions on the National Weather Service website or your favorite weather website. 

RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS

• The California Department of Education has a variety of information and resources to help districts and schools prepare for flooding.
• Ready.gov for kids has some kid-friendly tips to help prepare for floods and other natural disasters. 
• A Kid-Friendly Guide To Handling A Weather Emergency While At School - Weather.com
• The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools administers the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center that provides resources to prepare for floods at K-12 schools and districts.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has resources about mold and air quality in schools.

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE STORM AND STAY SAFE

• Monitor the National Weather Service or local media for information about when severe weather will affect your community. The National Weather Service also has safety tips for hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and more.
• Flash flooding is possible across the region, with rare and dangerous flooding possible across the mountains and deserts.
• The County of San Diego has a list of locations where you can get free sand and bags to protect homes and other property from flooding and soil erosion.
• During the storm, avoid driving unless it is necessary. If you must drive, do not drive through standing water. Turn around, don’t drown. Don’t drive around barriers and avoid crossing running water in your car or on foot.
• If you see a downed powerline, always assume it is energized, stay away, and do not touch it or any other electrical equipment nearby. Call 911 or San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) at 1-800-411-7343 to report it or other electrical emergencies.
• If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the area. From a safe location, call 911 or call SDG&E at 1-800-611-7343.
• If you see road crews from County Public Works and local jurisdictions, please give them space to work.   
• Prepare a disaster plan for your family. Visit alertsandiego.org for a guide to prepare a disaster plan.
• Create a go-kit in case your family needs to evacuate. Consider water for each person in your family, food, a first aid kit, important documents, prescription medications, a radio, and a flashlight. 
• To receive emergency notifications for this and all disasters, register for alerts at alertsandiego.org and download the SD Emergency mobile app.

ONGOING RECOVERY FROM JAN. 22 STORM

• The County of San Diego ratified the local emergency proclamation, the City of San Diego declared a local emergency, and the State of California declared a state of emergency.
• The County of San Diego continues to assess flood damages across the region through a voluntary online survey. For help with cleanup, call the San Diego Flooding Home Cleanup Hotline at 619-333-1450, which will remain open through Feb. 9. 
• A Local Assistance Center in Spring Valley provided one-stop resources and services for residents impacted by flooding until Jan. 31.  
• Residents in need of resources and services, including food and housing/shelter, can call 2-1-1 or visit 211San Diego online.
• The City of San Diego is maintaining a preparedness and recovery resources webpage.
• The Red Cross shares information about open shelters ready to support residents evacuated due to flooding.
• The San Diego Housing Commission shared a directory of resources and provided common questions and answers about tenants’ rights and responsibilities: English / Spanish
• San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan warned businesses and scammers not to take advantage of consumers by price gouging or other fraud schemes during a state of emergency – doing so can result in prosecution and jail.
• The Jackie Robinson Family YMCA is offering use of showers and mental health support for members of the community affected by the storm and flooding. They are also accepting donations of unused personal hygiene items and new or gently used blankets, pillows, jackets, towels, which may be dropped off at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, 151 YMCA Way, San Diego 92102.
• San Diegans who want to help local victims recover from the recent storm can donate to a Flood Response Fund set up by the County of San Diego and San Diego Foundation.

In the event of weather-related school schedule changes, SDCOE will maintain a list on sdcoe.net and will share additional updates as they are available. Follow @SanDiegoCOE on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates.