Homeowners in Southern California have had a lot to contend with weather-wise over the past few years. With continual drought conditions, the threat of wildfires, and sweltering temperatures, it’s hard to believe that this winter we could see record rainfall thanks to El Nino conditions. With El Nino comes the possibility of flooding and landslides. Since it’s hard to predict exactly when the bad weather will start, it’s important you know how to prepare your home for El Nino now!
How To Prepare your Home for El Nino
Clear/Unclog Drainage Areas: Check around the outside of your home to make sure drainage areas are cleared, especially near swimming pools so you can avoid flooding. After it rains, it’s also a good idea to walk around your home and check the ground where the soil meets your house. If you see any pooling water/waterlogged areas, you can dig a trench and lay a pipe, directing the water to a safe area.
Clean Out Your Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters are the number one cause when it comes to water intrusion, so make sure you’re prepared. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts before El Nino hits. You might even consider installing mesh guards to gutters.
Inspect Your Roof: Look for any misalignments in your roof shingles. Any bent, cracked, deteriorated, or missing shingles can be a huge problem when heavy rains hit. Be sure to also keep an eye out for wave-shaped patterns in tile, which can be a sign of warping. If you have any of these signs, be sure to hire a professional to repair your roof ASAP.
Reinforce Single-Pane Windows: Single-pane windows can only handle so much rain before they leak. If you’re not up for upgrading your windows to double-pane, so use painters tape or duct tape to seal the sides before a big rain. 
Paint the Exterior Wood Trim of your Home: Paint cracks in the wood trim on the exterior of your home can carry water directly into the wood and promote dry rot and termite invasion. Make sure there are no cracks and everything is sealed.
Turn Off your Automatic Watering System: Chances are you won’t need your automatic watering system until spring once El Nino hits.
Invest in a Sump Pump: Groundwater can invade below-grade spaces such as basements and garages even with good drainage systems in place. If your home has a lot of below-grade spaces, it’s a good idea to invest in a sump pump.
Buy a Generator: With the potential for big storms, flooding, and landslides, comes a huge potential for power outages. Buying a portable generator or even a permanent standby generator that immediately kicks in if the power goes out is a great way to keep your family safe and comfortable.
Cesi Pagano
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