Storm Preparedness & Planning
City of Coronado Storm Preparedness & Planning
The City of Coronado prepares year-round for wet weather events with a robust storm and sewer maintenance schedule and street sweeping program. City crews sweep streets daily, and conduct ongoing storm drain cleanings and routinely inspect the City's stormwater pumps.
Storm Preparedness in 2024
>> FEMA Assistance for January 22, 2024 Storm
>> Learn More About the January 22, 2024 Stormm Event
>> City Manager's Storm Preparedness & Planning Message, Jan 31, 2024
Preparing the city in advance of an impactful weather event is a top priority and our City crews sweep the streets and clearing debris that may impede storm runoff from flowing into the collection systems. At the end of January, the City secured back-up stormwater and sewer pumps that are ready to be deployed to flooded areas. At the Parker Pump Station, there is a fully functional storm water pump system in place. It is ready to be powered up when the rains begin.
- Since the January 22nd storm, The City distributed over 10, 500 sandbags.
- During rainstorms, the first responders will focus on life safety. If roads are closed due to flooding or other incidents, the closures will be posted here on our Storm Preparedness webpage and on our social media.
- Call 911 if you observe fallen tree limbs in the road, downed power lines, or flooding.
- During the storm, please be cautious while driving and if possible, avoid driving during heavier downpours. Never drive into flooded roadways, even if the water does not look that deep. This can endanger you and it also can send waves of water into already flooded areas.
- Have a flashlight and batteries ready if there is a power outage. (SDG&E Power Outage)
- if you have not signed up for Nixle notifications, we encourage you to do so. We will send out an alert or advisory to the community through Nixle - if it is necessary. The sign-up link is on the Police Department website.
Sandbag Information
Will be posted here when available
>> Already have sandbags? Consider storing your used sandbags in a dry area until the next storm arrives this winter. Please do not drop them back at the sandbags sites.
- There is a limit of 10 sandbags.
- Pickup entrance is from Alameda Blvd to J Avenue.
- Please have your driver's license handy for residence check.
- The sandbags are available while supplies last.
- Please note it is prohibited to remove sandbags staged at City facilities. Thank you for your assistance!
How to Use Sandbags
- Create a small dam or wall using sandbags to block or divert floodwater.
- Sandbags should be stacked similar to a brick wall, using a staggered pattern. Build your wall at least two bags high.
- Residents can also purchase durable sandbags at building supply companies or home improvement stores.
- Watch this San Diego County video on how to use sandbags.
What to Do with Sandbags After the Storms
Many residents took advantage of the free sandbags available to the community so they could fortify their homes and property before the heavy rainstorms arrived. More than 10,500 sandbags were used across the city. For now, the storms have passed, and clear skies have returned. That has led many to ask, "What should I do with my sandbags now?"
- Since the rainy season is not over, consider keeping your sandbags for reuse. Store them filled or empty out the clean sand and store the bags away from sunlight in a covered, above-ground location.
- If the used sandbags are unusable, rake the sand into soil, add it to planters, or use it for flowerbeds as a soil amendment.
- If you choose not to reuse them, empty the bags and place the bags in your trash bins. Do not place the empty sandbags in the recycle bin.
- Please do not drop used sandbags at the City sites where you picked them up.
Storm Preparedness Tips for the Home
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. If residents notice clogging of the storm drain and it can be safely cleared, please do so. If you are unsure, please call the City non-emergency number at 619-522-7350.
- Keep the lids securely closed on trash and recycle carts when placing them out on the street for collection. Place each cart approximately 2 to 3 feet away from the curb so as not to impede the stormwater flowing on the street.
- In case of power outages, keep flashlights and batteries in a location you can reach. SDG&E Power Outage webpage.
- Proactively turn off irrigation to save water and minimize runoff.
- Know the safest routes to and from your home or property should flooding occur.
- Slow down and do not drive, ride or walk through flood waters.
- Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding.
Stay up to date on what’s going on during an emergency
- Locally, the City of Coronado will list news updates on the City website. Updates will also be posted on the City’s social media sites.
- Residents can sign up for Nixle advisories and alerts here. for a text or email message.
- Residents can sign up for County alerts in the region via the County website.
Where To Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
The City's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection is held the second and fourth Saturday of each month, from 9 am to 2 pm at the Public Services Facility, located at 101 B Avenue. The event is available for Coronado residents only. (No business or contractor-generated waste permitted.) Please have your driver's license handy for residence check and wait in your vehicle for one of the collectors to assist you.
PLEASE NOTE: HHW Collection is closed during rainy, stormy weather. Currently, we are not accepting medical waste or prescription drugs at our HHW collection events.
Flood Damage Resources for Residents
The City of Coronado is working to help homeowners deal with flood damage and water intrusion issues that may be found after a flood event by providing useful resources and guides.
- The City of Coronado is now accepting flood damage repair permit applications by email. Please see the following for more information on how to apply for a permit or call Administrative Services at 619-522-7300.
- County of San Diego Flood - Cleanup and Safety Resources
- EPA Flood Cleanup and Indoor Air Quality
- EPA The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control
- Guide to Hiring a Contractor after a Disaster: how not to get scammed
- Tenant Protection Measures for Those Impacted by the January 22, 2024 Flooding: On January 30, 2024, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors put in place temporary tenant protection measures for those affected by the flooding. The approved ordinance prohibits people who were affected by the floods from being evicted without just cause. The ordinance also restricts certain rent increases on eligible properties from January 22 to March 30, 2024. If you were affected by January 22, 2024 flood, and have been notified of a rent increase that you suspect may not be lawful, please contact the Legal Aid Society at 877-534-2524 or your personal attorney. If you have questions about the legality of a rent increase you received, you may find additional information on State Law here.
Other EPA Do it Yourself Information
- Installing Roof, Window, and Door Tarps
- Removing Standing Water
- Wall Cleanup and Removal
- Floor Cleanup and Removal
- Drying Everything Out
- Things to Keep and Throw Away