Preparing for Major El Niño Storms

Dear Neighbor,

Scientists are increasingly confident that a very strong El Niño will unleash record-breaking rain and flooding throughout California later this fall and winter. This El Niño is very likely to be the strongest on record. The threat of storm-related damage is especially serious in our region, particularly in areas of San Joaquin County that have a history of flooding.

Last month, the governor declared a statewide emergency, warning of damaging storms from a historically strong El Niño forming in the Pacific Ocean. According to the latest models, record amounts of precipitation are expected throughout much of the state, with many areas receiving 150% to 200% of their average rainfall from December to March.

Statewide, the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is preparing for potential storm-related disasters, as is the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services (SJ OES).

Below are local and state resources for emergency preparedness, including how to sign up for emergency alerts, making a disaster plan, getting your home and property ready, and obtaining flood insurance.

Emergency Alerts

Signing up for emergency alerts can make a big difference in bad weather events or disasters, including wildfires. Every California county has an alert program that notifies residents about emergencies. Cal OES has a webpage linking to all of them: To sign up, go to calalerts.org/signup.html and click on your county.

• San Joaquin County residents can sign up for SJ Ready Alerts here. 
• Alameda County residents can sign up for AC Alerts here.

You can also download the Red Cross app to get emergency alerts for your area.

In addition, you can text the word STORM to the number 20202 to enroll in Cal OES’s Listos California Storm Season Safety Emergency Guide to help you prepare for winter storms.

Make a Plan

• Know your evacuation routes.
  • For San Joaquin County residents, SJ OES launched Know Your Zone – an interactive map used by public safety agencies to prepare residents in the event of an evacuation.
  • For Alameda County residents, go here for evacuation zones.
• Plan to go immediately when evacuation orders are issued by local authorities.
• Pack a go bag with essential items and be ready to grab keys, wallet, phone/charger, medication, and personal items. More information here.
• Create an emergency supply kit.

Preparing Your Home and Property

• Keep your gutters and nearby storm drains clear of debris. Flooding can happen quickly and with little warning.
• It’s a good idea for homeowners to check their roofs for leaks.
• Stock up on sandbags. Also, both San Joaquin and Alameda counties offices of emergency services are expected to provide more information about where to pick up sandbags as we get closer to winter.
• Strong winds are a common hazard in San Joaquin County and parts of the Tri-Valley. To prepare:
  • Trim trees and remove debris around your home to prevent damage or blocked pathways.
  • Secure or move outdoor furniture and loose items such as patio umbrellas, trampolines, planters, toys, and garbage bins.
• Get your car storm-ready. Check your:
  • Tires and brakes.
  • Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
  • Car battery.
  • Windshield wiper blades and replace them if needed.

Insurance

The California Department of Insurance is urging Californians to review their insurance coverages and “take steps to protect their families, homes, and businesses from potential flooding, heavy rain, mudslides, and other severe weather.”

• Review your insurance coverage, including homeowners, renters, and commercial insurance policies. Many policies do not cover damage caused by flooding, mudslides, debris flows, and other similar disasters.
• Review your auto coverage. Comprehensive auto insurance can provide coverage for vehicles damaged by flooding, fallen trees, and other storm-related events.
• Create a home inventory. Use your smartphone to photograph or record your home and belongings and keep copies of important insurance documents in a safe, accessible location.
• Consider flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program provides the majority of flood insurance coverage written in California, although private flood insurance is also available.

I’m also planning to host a webinar in the coming weeks on how to prepare for El Niño storms, so please be on the lookout for an email from me on how to sign up.

Please stay safe. It is an honor serving you in the state Senate.