Free Sandbags Available to Residents

Oceanside CA—  With rain in the forecast, beginning tonight, through next Tuesday, Oceanside crews have been making storm preparations a priority.  The clearing of storm drains is ongoing, and the City’s emergency responders have plans in place and will be monitoring flood-prone areas.  Public Works will continue to evaluate streets and remove debris from roads and storm drains when the next storm arrives..  The Water Utilities Department is ensuring that the City’s water and sewer infrastructure is as prepared as possible for expected heavy rainfall, such as lowering the reservoir levels to ensure excess capacity.
Preliminary forecast rainfall totals have 2-4 inches of rain expected along the coast with 3-5 inches in the inland valleys and 5-10 inches in the mountain regions. This will be the first time since 2010, the developing weather pattern will have the potential to create an extended period of enhanced runoff into area streams and main-stem rivers. In addition, after the first and second storms, the soils will likely have become saturated with little capacity to absorb much more rain and most of the moisture becoming runoff.
There will be the possibility of flash flooding, especially with the stronger systems expected this weekend and early next week due to the potential for heavier rainfall rates. The greatest threat will exist in and below recent burn scars and in poorly drained urban areas.
Does your family or business have an emergency plan?  Are you prepared for possible flooding?

• Know your flood risk and look into Flood Insurance
• If your home or business is flood prone, pick up sandbags now, before it rains. Free sand and sandbags are offered to Oceanside residents at the City Operations Center at 4927 Oceanside Boulevard between 9-3 Monday-Friday.  Limit of 10 per resident, bring a shovel.  Moody’s Recycling at El Corazon at 3210 Oceanside Boulevard also has free sand and bags, or pre-filled sandbags for $1.50 each.
• Learn what steps to take before, during, and after a flood
• Make a family emergency plan
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit
• Stay tuned to your phone alerts, TV, or radio for weather updates
• If possible, stay off roads during heavy rain periods
• Never drive through a flooded area, turn around, don’t drown

While we can’t control forces of nature, we can work together to prepare and minimize risk and impact.