San Diego County Welcomes Rainy Season with Driving Tips and Free Sandbags
With the rainy season now upon us in San Diego County, National Weather Service officials are predicting heavy rains throughout the region this week. As residents gear up for wet weather, the County and CAL FIRE are offering important driving tips and free sandbags to help everyone stay safe and prepared.
Driving in heavy rain conditions can be challenging, but following these tips can make a difference:
Slow Down: Wet roads require more time to stop, so reduce your speed to avoid accidents. Plan for extra travel time to adjust for slower traffic.
Turn on Your Headlights: Improve visibility and make it easier for other drivers to see you by turning on your headlights – it’s the law.
Drive in Middle Lanes: Water tends to pool in outside lanes, so stick to the middle if possible.
Defog Your Windows: Rain can cause windows to fog up, so ensure good visibility by defogging them. Check your windshield wipers before it rains and replace them if needed.
Avoid Deep Water: Driving through deep water can affect your brakes. If you must pass through, test your brakes afterward to ensure they are working properly.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never drive through flooded roadways where the pavement is not visible. Even a few inches of water can sweep your vehicle off the road.
Maintain Safe Distance: Give ample space between vehicles to avoid visibility issues caused by spray. This also allows for more reaction time if needed.
Stay Calm in Hydroplaning Situations: If your tires lose traction on wet roads, keep the steering wheel straight and gradually slow down without stomping on the brakes.
Avoid Distractions: It’s illegal and dangerous to text or use a cell phone while driving. Stay focused on the road.
- Respect Road Workers: Slow down for roadwork zones to protect both yourself and public works crews.
As an additional precaution, the County and CAL FIRE are providing free sandbags to residents in unincorporated areas. Rain runoff can lead to flooding and erosion, especially in areas without proper vegetation. Sand and bags are available at various fire stations across the county.
Residents are urged to call ahead to confirm availability and remember to bring a shovel for filling the bags as supplies may be limited. Here are some locations where sand and bags, or bags alone, can be obtained:
Sand and Bags
- Bonita: Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Station #38
- Boulevard: Boulevard Fire Station #47
- De Luz: De Luz Fire Station #16
- Dulzura: Dulzura Fire Station #30
- Fallbrook: Pala Mesa Fire Station #4
- Julian: Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Station #56
- Palomar Mountain: Palomar Mountain Fire Station #79
- Potrero: Potrero Fire Station #31
- Ramona: Ramona Fire Station #81 and Ramona Fire Station #82
- Rincon: Rincon Fire Station #70
- Valley Center: Valley Center Fire Station #2
- Warner Springs: Sunshine Summit Fire Station #59
Bags Only
- Alpine: Alpine Fire Station #17
- Borrego Springs: Ocotillo Wells Fire Station #61 and Borrego Springs Station #60
- Campo: Campo Fire Station #40 and Lake Morena Fire Station #42
- Descanso: Descanso Fire Station #45
- El Cajon: Harbison Canyon Fire Station #24
- Escondido: Miller Fire Station #15
- Flinn Springs: Flinn Springs Fire Station #21
- Jacumba: Jacumba Fire Station #43
- Jamul: Deerhorn Fire Station #37
- Julian: Shelter Valley Fire Station #62
- Laguna: Mt. Laguna Fire Station #49
- Pine Valley: Pine Valley Fire Station #44
- Ranchita: Ranchita Fire Station #58
- Ramona: Intermountain Fire Station #85
- San Pasqual: San Pasqual Fire Station #84
- Warner Springs: Warner Springs Fire Station #52
In times of emergency, residents can find essential information on AlertSanDiego.org. Stay safe during the rainy season and remember to drive cautiously and prepare for inclement weather.