Storm Preparedness Resources

The County of San Diego encourages residents, businesses, property owners, and construction site operators to prepare now for the upcoming rainy season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during fall and winter 2026–27. While this does not guarantee above-average rainfall or larger storms in our region, early preparation can help protect people, property, and local waterways during major storm events.

Use the resources below to prepare your property or site.

 

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  • RESIDENTIAL RESOURCES

    Prepare your home and property before rain begins. Regularly inspecting drainage systems and addressing exposed soil can help reduce flooding, erosion, and sediment leaving your property.

    Before a storm:

    • Clear leaves, sediment, and debris from privately maintained gutters, drains, ditches, and culverts.

    • Cover soil, dirt, gravel, landscaping materials, and other outdoor stockpiles.

    • Stabilize bare soil and erosion-prone areas with vegetation, mulch, rock, fiber rolls, or other appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs).

    • Inspect slopes and drainage paths for signs of erosion or blockage.

    • Direct runoff away from structures without negatively affecting neighboring properties.

    • Inspect and repair erosion-control materials before and after each storm. 

    Residential storm preparedness materials:

  • BUSINESS RESOURCES

    Business owners and operators should inspect outdoor areas, materials, waste containers, and stormwater controls before rain is forecast.

    Before a storm:

    • Inspect indoor and outdoor work areas for leaks, spills, trash, sediment, or materials that could contact rainwater.

    • Move materials indoors or place them under secure cover with appropriate secondary containment. 

    • Close and secure dumpsters, waste containers, and outdoor storage areas.

    • Inspect parking, loading, fueling, and equipment-storage areas.

    • Confirm that spill kits are stocked and accessible.

    • Train employees on spill response and stormwater pollution-prevention procedures. 

    • Inspect and maintain structural stormwater BMPs, including drain inserts, berms, separators, sumps, and containment systems.

    • Sweep outdoor areas instead of washing pollutants into streets or storm drains.

    Business storm preparedness materials:

  • EQUINE PROPERTY RESOURCES

    Rainwater flowing through corrals, paddocks, manure-storage areas, and access roads can carry bacteria, nutrients, and sediment into drainage systems and waterways. 

    Before a storm: 

    • Remove manure from stalls and corrals regularly. 

    • Store manure and compost away from drainage paths, storm drains, streams, wells, and other water sources. 

    • Cover manure and compost piles to prevent contact with rain. 

    • Divert clean rainwater around corrals, paddocks, manure-storage areas, and animal enclosures. 

    • Stabilize dirt roads, trails, slopes, and high-use areas that are susceptible to erosion. 

    • Inspect berms, drainage controls, and vegetated treatment areas. 

    • Keep feed, bedding, chemicals, and equipment under cover. 

    • Direct animal wash water to an appropriate contained or vegetated area. Do not allow wash water to enter storm drains, creeks, ponds, or seasonal drainages. 

    Equine storm preparedness materials: 

  • CONSTRUCTION SITE RESOURCES

    Construction site operators should install, inspect, and maintain erosion, sediment, and materials-management BMPs before rain begins.

    Before a storm: 

    • Avoid rainy-season construction and grading when possible. Schedule soil-disturbing activities during dry weather and stabilize disturbed areas before rain begins.

    • Include wet-weather needs in the project scope, schedule, and budget. Plan for additional BMPs, replacement materials, maintenance, monitoring, inspections, and corrective actions. 

    • Manage run-on. Intercept water flowing onto the site from upgradient areas and safely route it around disturbed portions of the project using stable, non-erodible conveyances. Run-on diversions should not cause erosion, flooding, or adverse impacts to neighboring or downstream properties.

    • Manage runoff. Where appropriate and included in the approved plans, use properly designed retention, detention, or sediment basins to capture runoff, settle sediment, and prevent sediment-laden discharges to the municipal storm drain system or local waterways. 

    • Install BMPs in accordance with approved plans and specifications. Effective erosion controls help prevent the initial movement of soil that can lead to progressive erosion and additional sediment transport.

    • Maintain a reserve supply of BMP materials. Keep extra fiber rolls, gravel bags, plastic sheeting, inlet protection, stakes, and other replacement materials available for rapid deployment or repair. 

    • Plan for high-volume rain events. Where appropriate, consider keeping a pump and temporary storage tank, such as a Baker tank, available to prevent a basin from overflowing. Pumped water must be managed through approved storage, treatment, reuse, or disposal procedures and must not be discharged to the storm drain system or a waterway unless specifically authorized.

    • Document wet-weather planning and response. Maintain records of additional protective measures, inspections, maintenance, repairs, monitoring results, and corrective actions to demonstrate careful planning and timely response. 

    Construction storm preparedness materials: 

    Before, During, and After Rain: 

    • Review the approved erosion and sediment control plan or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, when applicable.

    • Install or repair perimeter controls, fiber rolls, gravel bags, silt fences, inlet protection, and other required BMPs. 

    • Cover and secure soil, aggregate, landscaping materials, chemicals, and waste.

    • Stabilize exposed soil, slopes, construction entrances, and vehicle exits. 

    • Protect storm drain inlets, drainage channels, and environmentally sensitive areas.

    • Sweep sediment tracked onto paved areas. Do not wash sediment into a street or storm drain. 

    • Secure portable toilets, waste containers, fuels, and other potential pollutant sources.

    • Confirm that spill-response materials are stocked and accessible. 

    • Inspect BMPs before, during, and after rain, when safe to do so, and promptly repair or replace damaged controls.

    • Complete all required inspections, monitoring, maintenance, and documentation. 

       

 

 

REPORT STORM DRAIN POLLUTION

Report Storm Drain Pollution

SAND & SANDBAG LOCATIONS

Find Sand & Sanbag Locations

REGISTER FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS

Register for Emergency Alerts

Additional Storm and Emergency Resources

  • Ready (Federal) - A federal campaign that educates and empowers Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, such as natural and man-made disasters. 

  • Flood Preparedness - A California Department of Water Resources page to help residents prepare for a flood. 

  • California Office of Emergency Services - A State of California website that provides information on potential natural hazards in your area, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, and tsunamis. 

  • County Road Service Request — Report flooding, plugged drains, mudslides, debris, and other road or drainage concerns in unincorporated San Diego County. 

  • SDG&E Outage Map — Check current electric outages and estimated restoration information. 

Request Additional Information

Have questions about storm preparedness or Watershed Protection Program resources?

Phone: 1-888-846-0800

Email: watersheds@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

 

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