Types of Emergencies

Heavy rain can create safety risks like flash flooding, fast-moving water, erosion, mudslides, and road hazards from debris or potholes. The City of San Marcos monitors storm activity closely, with emergency personnel ready to respond if conditions worsen.

What to expect during heavy rain

• Periods of flooding in low-lying areas and near creeks
• Saturated soil that may lead to erosion or mudslides
• Strong winds that can bring down trees, power lines, or scatter debris onto roads
• Dangerous driving conditions, especially at night
• If evacuations are necessary, public safety officials will provide as much notice to residents as possible

How to prepare and stay safe

• Pick up free, fill-your-own sandbags at Hollandia Park (12 Mission Hills Ct.). Supplies are replenished when there are oncoming storms and park hours will be extended as needed.
• Avoid flooded roads—never attempt to drive, ride, or walk through moving water.
• Secure outdoor items like patio furniture, umbrellas, or trash bins that could be blown or washed away.
• Keep storm drains clear near your property to help prevent localized flooding.
• Have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, food, water, medications and important documents.
• Stay connected—sign up for alerts at ReadySanDiego.org, follow City of San Marcos updates, and tune into local radio/TV for emergency messages (KOGO 600 AM, KLSD 1360 AM, KPBS 89.5 FM, and NOAA Weather Radio 162.40 MHz).

Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for older adults, people with medical conditions, and those who have limited mobility. If you or someone you know begins showing signs of heat-related illness, seek medical help right away.

To stay safe:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Never leave children or pets unattended in parked cars
• Check in on neighbors who may need assistance

For those looking for a public air-conditioned place to beat the heat, the following Cool Zone locations are open to the public:

San Marcos Library – 2 Civic Center Drive

• Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday - Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday - Wednesday: Noon to 7 p.m.

Please be advised the library will be closed Sept. 8 through Nov. 27. Check online hours for the most up to date closure and reopening information.

San Marcos Senior Center – 111 Richmar Avenue

• Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to staying cool, residents are encouraged to be mindful of fire safety during hot and dry conditions. Please dispose of cigarettes properly, avoid using equipment that may spark near dry brush, and report any safety concerns to the city using our Report a concern tool.

Electricity can go out without warning. In San Marcos, the most common reasons are high winds and storms, but outages can also happen from accidents, maintenance work, or even balloons getting tangled in power lines.

If the lights go  off

• Stay calm and stay put if it's safe.
• Use flashlights or battery lamps—avoid candles or open flames.
• Unplug large appliances (like the dishwasher, fridge, A/C) to prevent overload when power returns.
• Leave one small lamp on so you'll notice when electricity comes back.

After the lights return

• Wait a few minutes before turning everything back on—to avoid power surges.
• Check on neighbors (especially older folks) if you can safely.
• Reset clocks, timers, alarms, and other gadgets.
• If you see downed power lines—don’t touch them. Call 911 and report to SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343.

Get ready before it happens

• Make an outage kit: flashlight, fresh batteries, bottled water, snacks, cash, first-aid kit, a battery- or crank-powered radio, and a corded phone if you have one.
• Charge your phone, laptop, and other devices ahead of time.
• Have a backup plan if anyone in your home relies on electric medical devices— never connect a generator to the grid; it’s illegal and dangerous.
• Sign up for outage alerts and updates through SDG&E—and keep your contact info current.
• During wildfire season, SDG&E may preemptively turn off power (called PSPS). They offer generator and battery rebates for qualifying residents—check if your area is in a High Fire Threat District

Earthquakes happen almost daily in Southern California, but most are so small they go unnoticed. Still, experts warn that larger, more damaging quakes are possible, and it’s important to be prepared.

In San Marcos, being ready means having a plan before disaster strikes. Consider these safety steps:

• Make an  emergency kit with food, water, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
• Create a  family communication plan so everyone knows where to meet and how to get in touch after an earthquake.
• Secure  your space by fastening heavy furniture, TVs, and shelves to walls to reduce falling hazards.
• Know what to do  during  shaking: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Stay away from windows and anything that could fall.
• Stay  informed by signing up for local emergency alerts and updates from the City of San Marcos.

Preparing today helps protect your family, home, and community when the next big quake hits.

Earthquake safety tips:

• Drop, cover,  and  hold  on: At the first sign of shaking, drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay informed: Listen to local news and follow official social media channels for updates.

For more information on earthquake preparedness, visit the Listos California website and the U.S. Geological Survey. We also encourage you to download the Genasys PROTECT App to ensure you have the latest emergency information at your fingertips.