After four years of epic drought, and almost constant sunny weather, we may have forgotten what real rain looks like and where water goes during a major storm.  Changes to our home landscapes may affect the way rainwater flows near our house.  We may not know about leaky roofs or weakened tree limbs.  We may also have neglected water drainages from our roofs and properties.  The more prepared, the better you and your home will withstand this winter’s El Niño storms, which are forecast throughout California. Rainfall is expected to be at least normal, but there’s up to a 40 percent chance we could see considerably more.  We also need to be prepared to be stranded and without food, water or electricity for several days.  The time to prepare is now, not when the rain is falling hard and fast.  Below are a series of links and articles to help you prepare.  Please remember to NEVER approach a downed power line as it may kill you!

• Home and Property Preparation
• Personal and Family Preparation
• Power Line Safety
• What to do During a Flood
• What to do After a Flood
• Information on Landslides and Mudslides
• Landslide and Mudslide Recognition and Safety Guidelines
• Emergency Contact Number
• Sand and Sandbag Information
• Traffic and Weather  (Link to existing Traffic and Weather Page)
• PG&E Power Outages
• FEMA Emergency Supply List
• California Department of Public Health Emergency Supply Kit
• FEMA Basic Preparedness
• NOAA Preparedness Guide
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Landslides and Mudslides
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• How to Use Sandbags
• County of Santa Cruz El Niño Information
• El Niño Explained