A month after devastating flooding damaged homes and uprooted people's lives throughout San Diego County, hundreds of San Diegans are still recovering.
Many families said they lost everything from the flooding caused by the Jan. 22 storm, particularly in the communities of Southeastern San Diego, Spring Valley, National City and more.
Below we have listed some of the most common questions San Diegans may have after the storm, and some resources available.
Are there any grants or financial resources if I've been affected by recent storms?
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Some organizations are offering grants for those who have been affected. Here's what to know:
◼️ FEMA assistance
Thousands of dollars may be available to residents affected by flooding on Jan. 21-23.
Local
The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Flood victims can also apply for assistance through the FEMA app. The FEMA app is a one-stop shop for victims to register for assistance.
FEMA will ask for information when registering, including:
- A current phone number victims can be contacted
- Address of the damaged primary residence
- Social Security number
- A general list of damages and losses
- Current telephone number
- Information about insurance coverage
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
For more on what you need to know to apply, click here.
◼️ Small Business Administration loans (which are also available for homeowners)
Business owners can apply for a loan of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property, equipment, inventory, and other business assets, the county said. Interest on SBA disaster loans will not accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
These loans are also available to homeowners and renters.
The deadline to apply for property damage is April 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Nov. 19, 2024.
◼️ City of San Diego small business grant fund
The city is offering up to $5,000 to up to 100 businesses affected by the Jan. 22 flooding. Businesses must have 12 or fewer employees.
According to the city, the Business Emergency Response & Resilience Grant will make financial assistance available with up to $2,500 per business and up to $5,000 for businesses and nonprofits in the federally designated Promise Zone and Low-Moderate Income Census tract areas.
The application became available on Feb. 12. The city was encouraging business owners to track any storm-recovery-related expenses -- everything from supplies, labor for cleanup, repair costs and equipment replacement not covered by insurance, employee wages and insurance deductibles.
"In order to qualify for this grant, business owners will need to demonstrate they were impacted by the storm and have a current Business Tax Certificate on file with the City. Only businesses with 12 or fewer employees are eligible," the city said in a news release.
◼️ Tax relief
County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Jordan Marks saidproperty tax relief is available to any property owner whose home was damaged or destroyed by the Jan. 22 storm in an amount greater than $10,000 by the storm.
"My office is ready to help all property owners who suffered damages to their properties from the recent rainstorms and floods," said Marks. "Please, let me encourage disaster survivors to not delay in completing their applications."
The tax relief program provides a reduced property assessment that reflects a lower value for a property after damage occurs. Also, the reduced property tax will remain in effect until the property is rebuilt or repaired, Marks said.
Damage to vehicles, furniture and appliances are not eligible.
Applications to receive the lower property tax rate must be filed within 12 months of the disaster event. File a claim here.
◼️ Black Chamber of Commerce grant
San Diego County's Black Chamber of Commerce is providing grant funding and technical assistance to businesses in District 4, which incorporates the areas of Skyline, Encanto, Chillas View, Shelltown, Southcrest and more. Anyone in need of aid can apply for grant funding here.
◼️ SDG&E assistance available
A number of SDG&E resources, programs and protections are available to support customers impacted by the Jan. 22 rainstorm:
- Billing may be discontinued and/or disconnections due to non-payment may be suspended for severely impacted customers whose homes have been destroyed or are deemed uninhabitable.
- Impacted customers will be granted expedited move-in and move-out service requests.
- While the customer protections are in effect, SDG&E will not ask CARE, FERA and Medical Baseline customers to recertify or verify income and will not drop them from their respective program.
- Flexible payment plans and payment extensions.
- Bill discounts, debt forgiveness and one-time emergency payments for qualified customers.
- Certain medical conditions may qualify for additional electricity at the lowest rate.
Customers with questions are encouraged to visit SDGE.com/recoveryresources to find more information on these protections and important resources.
Those who cannot stay in their home should suspend utility services and contact SDG&E at 800-411-7343 for more details.
What shelters and help centers are open in San Diego?
◼️ Small Business Administration's Business Recovery Center
Business owners can apply for a loan of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property, equipment, inventory, and other business assets, the county said. Interest on SBA disaster loans will not accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
The Small Business Administration will be opening a Business Recovery Center in National City on Feb. 26. The center will be set up at the Southwestern College Higher Education Center located at 880 National City Blvd. National City.
The Business Recovery Center will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and appointments are not necessary.
The deadline to apply for property damage is April 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Nov. 19, 2024.
◼️ City of San Diego's Local Assistance Center goes virtual
The city of San Diego opened a local assistance center at the Mountain View Community Recreation Center but its last day was scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12. Assistance will now be available virtually on one central city website, the city of San Diego said.
Those without internet can get assistance in person at the Mountain View/Beckwourth Library on Tuesdays (12 -7 pm), Thursdays (10 -5 pm), and Saturdays (10 -5 pm).
The same resources that were available in person can now be found online, including:
From Government agencies:
- Passport replacement information
- Building permit information
- Short-term hotel stay information
- Information on tax breaks for property damage over $10,000
- Hiring a licensed contractor information
- Insurance questions answered
From NGOs:
- Limited pet assistance
- Volunteer support
- Muck-out services
- Ready-to-eat food items
Where can I report damage?
San Diegans can report flooding by contacting the City's dispatch center at 619-527-7500. The city encourages people to report damage to sidewalks or streets and clogged storm drains.
Report non-emergency problems, including but not limited to blocked storm drains, potholes and broken street lights via the Get it Done app.
Contact your property insurance carrier to report damages to your property and learn how to file a claim with the city for flood damage.
What if I need help finding food?
The San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego each have distributions weekly for people in need. Go to their websites for details on the resources available.
- San Diego Food Bank
866-350-3663
https://sandiegofoodbank.org/ - Feeding San Diego
858-452-3663
https://feedingsandiego.org/
What if I have been evicted?
If you have been evicted or need legal assistance contact the Legal Aid Society Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (877) 534-2524 or go to 1764 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, or 110 Euclid Avenue, San Diego.
What if my car was flooded?
The city of San Diego has said they may need to tow vehicles to prepare for the next storm. Impound fees will be waived for up to 30 days.
Residents can request to have their car towed if they live in flood areas by calling the SDPD Tow Administration at 858-495-7830.
How should I get rid of household hazardous waste?
The county asks that you separate household hazardous waste from your regular trash. That includes the following:
- Paint
- Household cleaners
- Automotive fluids
- Electronics
- Batteries
- Pool and garden chemicals
If you'd like hazardous waste collected from your home, download the county's Tell Us Now app. From there, the county should contact you. You can also call 211 San Diego.
What should I do to prepare for the next storm?
San Diego County is in the middle of its rainy season. Prepare for the next storm by:
- Sweeping and picking up trash, leaves, grass clippings and other debris that collect around storm drains and curb gutters near your home
- Placing sandbags where necessary
- Keep the lid securely closed on the trash and recycle bins when placing them out on the street for collection. Place each bin approximately two to three feet away from the curb so as not to impede the stormwater flowing on the street
- Proactively turning off irrigation to save water and minimize runoff
- Knowing the safest routes to and from your home or property should flooding occur
- Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers
- Slow down and do not drive, ride or walk through flood waters
- Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding
Residents can report events, such as flooding or downed trees, by using the Get It Done application or by calling 619-527-7500. If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Where can I get sandbags?
Several cities and organizations are offering free sandbags to residents.
Click here for a list of locations in the city San Diego and here for a list of locations in the county.
What do I do first if my home floods?
Do not enter your home until authorities give the all-clear, according to the National Weather Service. When you do, make sure the electrical system is off.
- Take photos of the damage. Then, contact your insurance company.
- If your home has taken extensive water damage, you should act quickly. Yaron Lief, owner of Orange Restoration, said homeowners should take these steps:
- Salvage whatever you can and pull all items away from all walls in the home.
- Expose and strip the beams to at least four feet from the ground.
“Don’t try to dry everything out. It just won’t work,” Lief said. If you don't open it up, mold will grow.
Look for a business licensed with the California Contractors State License Board to repair the damage
What else should I be aware of if my home floods?
According to the San Diego County Department of Public Works, there could be several hazards in your home following a flood. Here are some steps you should take:
- Do not use food, water and medicine contaminated by the flood waters
- Do not use tap water until the community officials advise that it is safe
- Be aware of hazards caused by structural damage to buildings
- Turn off all utilities if you have not already done so. Do not use open flames when searching your home after a flood because of possible gas leaks
- Electrical outlets and wiring need to be checked by a professional before usage. The No. 2 flood killer after drowning is electrocution
- Dispose of contaminated carpeting and drywall
- Be careful about drying wooden items in the sun because warping may occur
- Do not pump out flood water from basements all at once. Pump out about one-third of the water per day
- Document all flood loss for flood insurance, government assistance and tax deduction purposes
- Pay attention to local news for information on any financial assistance available from FEMA. If access to the internet is available, use FEMAs website for up-to-date information on disaster assistance (www.fema.gov).
How do I file a claim with my insurance company?
First, figure out what coverage you have because flood insurance is different than your regular home insurance policy.
If you need to file a claim with your flood, homeowner's or auto insurer, here’s what you need to do:
- Take pictures and videos of everything. Documenting the damage and problems can help during the claims process
- Don’t delay. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible since they are likely to be very busy processing claims. You want to get the process started ASAP
One more note, Consumer Reports says, in most cases, you shouldn’t file a claim for any damage that’s lower than the cost of your deductible. The exception is water damage.
What if I have issues with my insurance company?
The state of California's Department of Insurance may be able to help if you have a dispute with your insurance company. Call 1-800-927-4357 or click here for information.
