Preparing for El Niño

By Zach Friend, County Supervisor 2nd District

Recent estimates from the U.S. Climate Prediction Center put a 95 percent chance that a strong El Nino will persist through the winter. While this is no guarantee of rain, and weather patterns change, the strength parallels the wet winters of 1982-83 and 1997-98. While this is welcome news for our recent drought, it does bring with it the possibility of flooding, mudslides, and downed trees. What can you do to prepare and what is the County doing ahead of the winter to get ready?

First, we are hosting two community meetings, one in partnership with the City of Watsonville, to provide tips and resources to help you prepare and stay safe. Public Works, Office of Emergency Services, and Public Safety staff will attend to answer your questions and provide tips.

Watsonville: October 5 at 6 p.m., Civic Plaza Community Room 275 Main St., Suite 400
Aptos: October 13 at 6:30 p.m., Rio Sands Hotel116 Aptos Beach Dr.

County Public Works has been doing a significant amount of ditch and brush clearing in advance of the winter, has applied for federal grants to help provide sandbags, joined with other local Public Works, Public Safety agencies, the Red Cross and PG&E on developing response plans and more.

The local County Fire Chiefs Association and County Law Enforcement Chiefs Association have been meeting to coordinate efforts to ensure they help with road hazards and maintaining access.

But all of us have a role to play in winterizing our homes and staying safe during the rains. Anything we do to keep our homes safe will help free up emergency responders for more pressing issues.

What can you do to prepare? According to FEMA, here are a few tips:

• Clear drains, rain gutters and downspouts of debris;
• Get flood insurance. If you already have it, check your policy to make sure you have enough coverage;
• Make copies of all your important documents and make sure the originals are stored safely somewhere outside of your home;
• Take photos of your possessions (furniture, collectibles, electronics) in case you need them for an insurance claim.
• Build an emergency kit with water, flashlight, batteries, radio, and baby items and medicines (if needed)
• Keep your pets indoors if possible during heavy rain events

In large storm events, it is possible that residents will need to be prepared to be without power or even water for a few days. Emergency kits can be purchased through the Red Cross (462-2881 for Red Cross information on preparedness) or at many local stores.

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As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to call me at 454-2200 if I can be of any help to you and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming workshop.