We’re all old enough to remember Y2K. Some thought that planes would fall out of the sky at midnight January 1, 2000. Others thought all computers and banking records would disappear. Well- not too much happened and certainly nothing cataclysmic!
A “El Nino” condition is already happening in the oceans of the World and this could mean unusually heavy rains and watershed for Los Angeles and much of California in the next several months, probably starting no sooner than late November. We live in earthquake country, so hopefully many of the same suggestions for preparedness for that have been implemented by us already. My feeling is it’s always better to be prepared (in my case often over prepared!), than to not be ready for what has a good chance of happening. WPV also suggests that residents make sure they do not run low on essentials like prescription medicine and stable foodstuffs like canned goods and cereals. With unexpected weather and street conditions and no crystal ball to tell the future, travel might be a bit difficult on certain days. The rule of the day will be safety first for all of us. Hey- we’ve gotten thru a worldwide pandemic- we’ll certainly get thru this! WPV volunteers are here to help you organize preparation, if you require it. Reach out before the rains start!
Here are what the experts are saying we should do over the next couple months:
LOS ANGELES, CA — Following an August 11 motion by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Los Angeles County emergency officials today outlined how Los Angeles County is preparing for the 2026-27 storm season and what residents can do now. El Niño could bring heavier rain and increase the risk of flooding, landslides, and debris flows across Los Angeles County.
“After fires, floods, and landslides, we know exactly what is at stake when heavy rain hits Los Angeles,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “LA County crews have been doing the work year-round; now we’re making sure every part of County government is ready to move together when conditions change. The time to prepare is now, and Los Angeles County is here to make sure our communities have the information, resources, and support they need to be ready.”
Here’s what residents can do now:
- Sign up for emergency alerts: Go to alert.lacounty.gov to receive emergency notifications, including evacuation warnings and orders.
- Know the risks where you live: If you are near a hillside, canyon, recent burn area, or area that can flood, learn your flood and mudflow risk before a storm.
- Make an evacuation plan: Know where you will go and how you will get there if you need to leave quickly.
- Have supplies ready: Keep enough food, water, medications, and other essentials for up to 10 days.
- Prepare your home: Clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains, fix roof leaks, and get sandbags before heavy rain is in the forecast.
- Consider flood insurance: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is separate and can take at least 30 days to go into effect.
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When storms hit: Never drive or walk through flooded roads. Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas. Watch for rising water, mud, and debris flows, move to higher ground if you see them, and follow evacuation warnings and orders. Check on neighbors, older adults, youth, and others who may need help.