Making a Floodplan: Top Tips for Protecting Your Property During Severe Weather
San Diego’s weather may be known for its sunshine, but storms and flooding can pose serious risks to homes and businesses. As local residents and homeowners ourselves, we want to ensure you have the right information to protect your property and stay safe. A well-prepared floodplan can make all the difference in minimizing damage and ensuring a quick recovery.
Before the Storm: Create a Floodplan & Protect Your Property
Know Your Flood Risk – Check if your property is in a floodplain using FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps at msc.fema.gov. Develop a Floodplan – Identify evacuation routes, prepare an emergency kit, and establish a plan for protecting valuables. Protect Your Property – Clear gutters and drains, elevate valuables, and use sandbags to divert water. Find sandbag locations at sandiego.gov/storm-preparedness. Secure Important Documents – Store essential paperwork in a waterproof container. Purchase Flood Insurance – Standard homeowner policies do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers coverage with a 30-day waiting period, so don’t wait! Learn more at fema.gov/flood-insurance.
During the Storm: Follow Your Floodplan & Stay Safe
Avoid Walking or Driving Through Floodwaters – Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and one foot can carry away most cars. Stay Away from Power Lines and Electrical Wires – Floodwater can be electrified and dangerous. Monitor Weather Alerts – Stay informed via local news, radio, or emergency notifications (alertsandiego.org). Evacuate If Necessary – If conditions worsen or you feel unsafe, follow your floodplan and move to higher ground immediately.
After the Storm: Assess Damage & Report Issues
Document Any Damage – Take photos/videos of structural and personal property damage before making repairs. Report Issues Promptly – Use the City of San Diego’s Get It Done app (sandiego.gov/get-it-done) to report flooding, clogged drains, or storm-related damage. Keep Receipts & Material Samples – If filing a flood insurance claim, retain receipts for repairs and keep damaged material samples for inspection.
A well-thought-out floodplan is essential for protecting your property and ensuring a swift recovery after severe weather. Taking proactive steps today can help minimize risks and keep you and your home safe.
For more resources and updates, visit sandiego.gov/storm-preparedness. Stay safe and stay prepared!
The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be your sole basis for financial or investment decisions. While ACI Apartments uses reliable sources for data and analysis, you should verify all information independently. This blog is not a comprehensive report on all changes to local, state, or federal laws affecting property owners and managers. Laws may have changed or been misinterpreted since publication. Always consult legal counsel or a licensed CPA before making decisions. ACI Apartments is not liable for actions taken based on this content.
