Sandbags available ahead of stormy weather

With a series of rain storms expected to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain to Orange County, the City of Mission Viejo is reminding residents that sandbags are available to protect properties from flooding and emergency erosion.
 
Sand bags are available through April on a first-come, first-served basis. Bags are pre-filled and are limited to 10 bags per resident. Residents can pick-up sand bags throughout the City at the following locations:
 
Alicia Park, 23650 Via Linda
Animal Services Center, 28095 Hillcrest
Mission Viejo Civic Center, 200 Civic Center
Florence Joyner Olympiad Park, 22760 Olympiad Road
Gilleran Park, 24960 Felipe Road
Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way
Youth Athletic Park, 22056 Olympiad Road
 
City Public Services staffers are also doing their part to protect the City by inspecting, cleaning and clearing catch basins and flow lines to prevent flooding and other issues.
 
To prepare your home for the rain and to help prevent runoff, remember the following tips:
 
Clear debris from gutters, downspouts and low areas in yards or patios that could cause water back-ups. Prevent runoff pollution into streets and storm drains by collecting any trash or landscape clippings from your property into their designated disposal containers.  Check your 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's clogged, call Public Services at 949-470-3095. Make sure your irrigation system has been adjusted for the change in weather. Over saturation can be dangerous and wasteful. Secure outdoor furniture, equipment or toys and be sure pets have safe cover.
 
For more information, contact the Public Services Department at 949-470-3095 or publicservices@cityofmissionviejo.org.