San Diego hands out sandbags and planning guides to seniors

San Diego officials distributed sandbags and emergency planning books to seniors on Tuesday at the Cathy Hopper Friendship Center. The city is launching this outreach in response to a strong El Niño pattern expected to bring heavy rains to the region this fall and winter.

The initiative includes three preparedness workshops held at local senior centers. The goal is to ensure older residents have specific resources to handle potential flooding and storm conditions. City representatives emphasized that these steps are the first part of a larger effort to keep the senior community safe.

Anne Bilyeu Dirks, a resident who attended the session, said she remembers the severe flooding during the 1998 El Niño. She noted that residents worried about roof damage and access to grocery stores during that period. Dirks said she is now gathering water, food, pet food, and prescriptions before the next storm arrives.

Jason Shanley, a captain with the Office of Emergency Services, stated that early preparation is vital for seniors. He explained that the city wants to provide frequent reminders so residents can make informed decisions if an emergency occurs. Shanley advised attendees to check older sandbags to ensure they still hold structural integrity before using them.

Shanley also recommended that residents store important documents in a weatherproof box. He urged seniors to keep their medications in an easily accessible location. He added that pet medication should be included in the emergency kit alongside human prescriptions.

The city is offering transportation assistance for homebound seniors who cannot easily reach workshops. Sandbag deliveries are also available for residents living in areas prone to flooding. These services are designed to remove physical barriers to preparedness for those who need the most help during storm season.