By Macy Meinhardt, Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
As the region scrambles to quickly recover from last week’s historical storm front, Mayor Todd Gloria and leaders from the Office of Emergency Services held a press conference to update the public on recovery efforts underway and preparations for the new storm system expected to arrive in San Diego tomorrow.
Here is what you need to know
A flood watch has been put into effect for the San Diego region starting tomorrow at 6:00 A.M through Friday morning. According to the National Weather Service for San Diego confidence is increasing that tomorrow’s storm will bring localized flooding–prompting an evacuation warning from the Mayor’s office for residents in low lying areas and neighborhoods that flooded last week—particularly the neighborhoods of Southcrest, Encanto, Mountain View, Rolando, and Sand Ysidro.
“I want to be very, very clear. This is not an evacuation order. This warning is voluntary. It is designed to encourage residents in these flood prone communities to prepare if and when evacuation does become necessary. Residents in these areas should consider gathering important documents and belongings and make sure that you have a plan to move yourself, your family and your pets out of harm’s way should major flooding occur,” said Mayor Gloria.
In addition, extra public safety and swift water rescue teams will be on site in the communities of Southcrest and Southeastern San Diego, and other areas as needed. If a mandatory evacuation order is issued, the San Diego Police Department will make contact with residents door to door. If a storm related hazard is spotted in your community, the city encourages San Diegans to contact 619-527-7500 for the quickest response.
In these areas of San Diego, clogged storm channels, culverts, and drains from neglected maintenance are being cited as the reason for the notable flooding last week.
With that, at the press conference on Monday, Mayor Gloria spoke on behalf of city staff who have been working around the clock to get storm drains cleared out before tomorrow’s rain hits.
“As I mentioned, we have cleared storm drains and storm channels. We’ve picked up accumulated debris from homes. We’re delivering pre-filled sandbags to these neighborhoods and making them available at neighborhood recreation centers.”
Despite clearing up to “four miles” of storm channels in the past week, Gloria addressed that the ground in these communities remain saturated, serving as another reason residents should take extreme precaution ahead of tomorrow.
How to Prepare Now
- Sweeping and picking up trash leaves and other debris collected around storm drains and gutters near homes.
- Keeping lids securely fastened on your trash and recycle bins and place each bin two to three feet away from the curb so the storm water is not impeded.
- Know the safest routes to and from your home or property should flooding occur. Do not plan to travel through roads that are historically prone to flooding in those areas.
- If you don’t need to be on the road. During the storm. Please support local first responders by staying home, said Gloria.
- Gather up documents, prescription medications, glasses, and charge personal devices in preparation.
- Sand and empty sandbags are available at 11 recreation centers. To find a list of those locations go to Sandiego.gov/storm.
“If you have already experienced recent flooding or you know you’re in a flood prone area and neighborhood, we ask you to make these advanced preparations and be ready to do that sooner than later,” said San Diego Rescue Fire Chief Colin Stowell.
Additionally, individuals residing or volunteering with water damaged properties and materials are advised to take extra precaution due to the risk of mold and asbestos exposure by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE may include items such as: gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.
“In regards to this, I will tell everybody to take it seriously. Wear the PPE. If you have furniture that got wet today, evaluate whether or not that furniture can be saved because there’s a strong possibility it can’t,” said Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan.
On the question of whether water-damaged items can be saved, Dargan says “your health is more important, and with mold and mildew sometimes you won’t recognize the impact until later,” said Dargan.
For more information on storm related resources please visit a list community members have gathered by clicking HERE.
“I’m grateful to all of the San Diegans who have stepped up to help their neighbors in need get through this extreme weather event, including the dedicated city staff who’ve been working around the clock to aid in the recovery for impacted residents. Together we will get through this,” said Mayor Gloria.
