Thousands of donations pour in for flood survivors ahead of more rain
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — County leaders on Wednesday provided tips to prepare for the upcoming rain during a press conference.
County leaders included San Miguel Fire, the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, County Office of Emergency Services.
County Supervisor Chairwoman Nora Vargas also called for a “Day of Service” Wednesday to invite community members to donate and help flood survivors.
Since the destructive storm on Jan. 22, teamwork has shined down with several organizations and people stepping up to help and give donations. Several rooms inside the Jackie Robinson YMCA have been set up to offer help to flood survivors, from housing to food to clothing to even large blowers to help dry out homes.
County leaders said we must all step up to recover and rebuild.
While many people are using the free services around the county, leaders are still reminding people to get prepared for more rain.
“The one thing we know is that the road to recovery is going to be super tough, and government can’t do it alone,” Vargas said.
County leaders are telling San Diegans now to get prepared including clearing gutters, getting sandbags, checking your insurance for flood coverage and taking a picture of your items and home before it rains.
San Diego issues evacuation warning for flood-prone areas ahead of storm
Leaders said the county is also preparing on their end.
“Each city is working hard to clean up the debris as is the City of San Diego, we have prioritize cleaning the debris throughout the county. But this 100-year flood, no one could’ve predicted, so we are going to do everything we can to invest in infrastructure,” Vargas said.
However, Vargas said there are immediate needs. Vargas canceled her state of the county address to create the Day of Service on Wednesday.
“Really asking San Diegans to go out there and help the communities in need,” Vargas explained.
Vargas said thousands have responded with donations or volunteering their time and skills.
“These volunteers are clearing out mud and debris, ripping out drywall and flooring,” said Jeff Toney, the director of the County Office of Emergency Services.
The Day of Service is about San Diegans supporting each other. That is evident at the Jackie Robinson YMCA, where there is an outpouring of donations from baby items, cleaning supplies, to so much clothes, they can’t take anymore donations right now and are referring people to drop them off at the Salvation Army.
“So it was very important to me to highlight this because the community is most impacted with the communities been under invested in for years,” Vargas said. “And so we are doing everything we can to fill in those gaps and support folks, and I’m grateful for all the organizations that are really supporting us.”
People can report damage to Alert San Diego.
For those in need of non-emergency assistance, or need flood debris picked up, call 211. Vargas acknowledges that the calls can be backed up, so people should put down a number for a call back.
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