El Niño: Is your Peninsula home ready?

With El Niño raising the possibility of a stormier winter, now is a good time for Midpeninsula residents to check their roofs, clear gutters and prepare for potential power outages and flooding.

In September, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to help prepare for the coming rainy season. While it’s too soon to know how much the predicted El Niño pattern will affect the Midpeninsula, residents can take steps now to reduce potential damage to their homes and yards.

“Inclement weather, especially storms that may bring significant wind and rain, is often a trigger for highlighting repair needs around one’s home. So it’s best to try to assess any needs ahead of such bad weather,” said Robert Skelton, director of marketing and community engagement for Rebuilding Together Peninsula.

The organization provides home repairs and modifications for income-eligible households in San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County. The organization provides home repairs and modifications for income-eligible households in San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County. We also consulted with local agencies and cities for advice on preparing for storms. For more on local preparations, read how San Mateo County is preparing for a potentially stormier winter.

Here are their tips for preparing your home and yard for winter storms.

Check your home and yard

• Inspect roofs for leaks and loose or missing shingles. Address needed repairs before storms arrive.
• Clear gutters and downspouts, and check that water drains away from your home’s foundation. Leaves removed from gutters can be composted at home or picked up with yard trimmings.
• Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Clear leaves and debris from storm drains and drainage channels near your property, where it’s safe to do so.
• Test sump pumps to make sure they’re working properly.
• Trim dead or overhanging branches, and secure or bring in patio furniture and other loose outdoor items before strong winds arrive.
• Check that doors and windows close properly to help keep rain out.
• For longer-term landscaping projects, residents might also consider installing a rain garden or rain barrels.

Prepare for flooding and power outages

• Check whether your property is in a flood zone, but don’t assume you’re safe from flooding if it’s outside a designated zone. Review your homeowners insurance and consider whether separate flood insurance is appropriate.
• Find out whether your city or county offers free sandbags, where they’re available and whether there are pickup limits. Get them before a storm arrives. Santa Clara County residents can find locations and information here. San Mateo County residents can find locations and information here.  
• Keep flashlights, backup lighting and batteries on hand.
• Stock at least a few days’ worth of food, drinking water and necessary medications in case power outages or flooding disrupt access to supplies.
• Remove trip hazards, such as yard debris and household items, that could impede safe entry to or exit from your home during an emergency.

Stay informed

Sign up for local emergency alerts so you can receive warnings and instructions before and during severe weather.

“Every indication is that this winter season will bring powerful and destructive storms. We will hope for the best but prepare for the worst. All residents should harden their homes, stockpile necessities and stay informed,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Lisa Gauthier.

San Mateo residents can sign up for SMC Emergency Alerts. Santa Clara County residents can sign up for AlertSCC.

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