With drier weather predicted this weekend, the City is encouraging residents to check their homes and neighborhoods before the next set of storms to prevent run-off, flooding and other rain-related problems.
Remember the following tips:
- Pick up any litter and loose objects in your yard and on your property. Anything loose can be washed or blown away. This includes yard clippings, branches, etc., that can clog storm drains. Dispose of yard clippings in your green waste container.
- Check your yard drains to make sure they haven’t gotten clogged. If they are, clean them and properly dispose of the debris. Also, check the catch basin at the end of your street. If it is clogged, report it to the City at 949-470-3095.
- Make sure your irrigation system has been adjusted for the change in weather. Over saturation can be dangerous as well as wasteful.
- If there is a slope on your property, inspect any drainage channels, v-ditches or any other drainage ways to make sure they are clean and free of any debris and/or vegetation. Repair any cracks or gaps in these devices to ensure that more water will not be allowed to seep into the slope.
- If you have large bare spots on your slope with no vegetation, consider installing some type of erosion-control product (such as jute mesh) to prevent soil from being washed away. Sand bags are available at various City locations. Call 949-470-3095 for more information.
- If your trash can was lost or damaged in the storm, call 949-642-1191 to have it replaced.
The City maintains numerous publications produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provide information about protecting homes and structures from flooding and repairing flood damage. These publications are available at the City’s Library or the Public Works Engineering Counter. The City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by FEMA. Mission Viejo homeowners, renters and businesses are eligible to purchase flood insurance, and people who already have it can receive a discount on their premium. If you are interested in purchasing flood insurance, contact your insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Information regarding the flood zone designation for Mission Viejo properties is available on the City’s Web site by using the City’s GIS system and entering a specific property address or APN number. The link to the City’s GIS system is www.cityofmissionviejo.org/DepartmentPage.aspx?id=1328.
Information about Mission Viejo’s storm-related activities is also available at http://cityofmissionviejo.org/stormwatch.
