Prepare Ahead of Time for Storms

Prepare Ahead of Time for StormsPost Date:11/11/2025 7:59 AM The City's Public Works team has been clearing storm drains and channels in preparation for heavy rains. We'll be out checking for flooding during storm periods and have equipment and barricades ready in case any road closures are temporarily needed. Another team is standing by and ready to handle any downed trees or limbs in public streets. The Oceanside Police Department urges residents and businesses to sign up for Ready Oceanside emergency notifications by texting the word "Oceanside" to the number 67283. Stay updated on weather conditions: National Weather Service There are other ways you can prepare as well. Prepare your Property We usually get a few days notice when a big storm is heading our way. When high winds are forecast, clear your yard. Move bikes, lawn furniture, umbrellas, and grills inside or under shelter to prevent damage. Sandbags: If your home or business is prone to flooding or erosion, use sandbags. The time to get sandbags is before a big storm, not during. Sandbags are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Oceanside residents can pick up free sand and 10 free sandbags (you fill, bring a shovel) at Moody's El Corazon Recycling. Moody's is located at 3210 Oceanside Boulevard, just east of El Camino Real. Bring a photo ID showing your Oceanside address. Moody's will often have pre-filled bags for sale at a nominal price. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm. Call ahead as they often close early in bad weather: (760) 433-3316. Flood Preparedness Measures: The City's Engineering Division provides information and technical assistance regarding floodplain and property drainage issues. They can make site visits and provide advice on how to take flood protection measures for your property. Email [email protected] or call (760) 435-4373. Flood Preparedness Information Prepare your Family Sign up for ReadyOceanside! The Ready Oceanside alert notification system will notify you by text, email, or voice, and you can chose from multiple languages. To sign up, simply text the word Oceanside to 67283 or sign up here. You can also get countywide emergency alerts by taking a moment to sign up for "Alert San Diego," which sends notification to your cell phone in the event of emergency situations. Landlines are already automatically signed up. Sign up here for your cell phone number. Download the Genasys Protect app relating to evacuations. If there is an emergency evacuation, the app allows you to see exact zones and will help to get people out and back home more quickly. Genasys Protect Make emergency plans with your family, sit down and discuss them. Plan for Pets Also Have an Emergency Supply Kit During and after a storm or emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. Build a Kit Prepare for Power Outages A power outage can impact our entire community. It can disrupt communications and close businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, and ATMs. Download the SDGE mobile app so you can check their outage map for power renewal estimates in our area. SDGE Mobile App Info Tips to plan ahead for power outages: Plan ahead for batteries and alternatives to meet your needs when power goes out. Determine whether your home phone will work in an outage Review supplies to ensure you have flashlights and extra batteries for each member of the family Go to a community shelter if it's too cold or hot Turn off or disconnect appliances in case of power surge when power comes back on Use Caution on Roadways When possible, avoid being out on the roads during heavy rain periods. Wait until the weather improves. If you are traveling the roadways, slow down. Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. Ensure your headlights are on. Brake gently and early to avoide skidding. If your visibility is bad, pull over somewhere safe and wait it out. Remember: roads can become washed out or flooded. Turn around instead of driving through it. Encountering Downed Power Lines Downed lines are dangerous. Never touch them. Avoid touching anything or anyone that is contact with a fallen power line. Avoid driving over them. Call SDG&E immediately at 800-411-7343 to report the issue. More tips More emergency preparation information Return to full list >>