Hurricane Season in San Diego and Flood Damage Preparedness

To the surprise of many residents, San Diego does have a real hurricane season, and we are in the middle of it at this very moment. The San Diego hurricane season lasts from mid-May through November, and Southern California has seen it’s fair share of storms. Nearly all of the major events occur far south of San Diego while we experience sunny weather during the temperate summer. However, there have been close calls.

In the summer of 1997, Hurricane Linda was heading straight towards San Diego before veering off into the Pacific Ocean. This hurricane would have caused major flooding and widespread water damage, but San Diego remained relatively unaffected. Our hurricane season may not be as intense as those on the East Coast, but we do actually see our fair share of rainfall every year.

Here at San Diego Flood Restoration, we see all the different types of residential water damage. We work on flood projects with raw sewage, toilet backflow, and roof leakage due to fallen trees. We work on both residential and commercial water damage projects of every size. The most common form of water damage clean up project in San Diego is not caused by tropical storms, but by burst pipes. Most water damage events tend to happen more frequently right after San Diego experiences a weather event with significant rainfall. Residents who have made preparations are less likely to need our services, so we would like to offer a few tips about storm preparedness.

San Diego does have a real hurricane season, and it is always a good idea to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Tips to Protect Your Home from Severe Rainfall and Southern California Storms

1) Have easily accessible emergency kits on hand for every member of the family. Major weather events can occur quickly and without warning, and having emergency kits with first aid, food rations, and clean water can be the difference between life and death.

2) Gather accurate information from the proper authorities and follow their instructions. If a major storm is approaching, formal government agencies will provide specific instructions and, if necessary, evacuation procedures. Listening to and understanding this information will allow you to make informed plans and actions.

3) Purchase flood insurance. This is a good idea for financial security in the event of a storm and, with the right coverage, will also protect your home from burst pipes.

4) Keep a diligent list of emergency contacts. Having a safe, physical contact list of your friends and relatives is important. The telephone numbers and addresses of local emergency agencies is even better. This includes your:

• Local American Red Cross

• Local Radio Stations

• Your Local Insurance Agent

• Local Law Enforcement

• Local Emergency Management Office

• State, County and City/Town Government

• Local Hospitals

• Local Utility Companies

• County Public Safety/Rescue

5) Get prepared now. If a major disaster were to occur, there would be a massive rush on supplies and services. If you formulate plans and create emergency kits now, you will be fully ready when the time comes and avoid the rush and panic during the actual event.

While burst pipes cause much more frequent residential water damage in San Diego, an emergency is always a possibility. We could experience a major storm, earthquake, or fire, and these tips will help you in every situation. Here at San Diego Flood Restoration, we are here for you whenever you experience a water damage emergency, and want you to be prepared.