Today’s newsletter is presented by Kaiser Permanente.
Aloha, La Jolla!
Earlier this month, news broke of a “coastally trapped Kelvin Wave” making its way up the coast of Mexico toward Southern California. Weather forecasters predict the elusive wave will hit our coastline in early October, increasing rising sea levels by six to 12 inches.
I can’t help but think this weather warning is a note from Mother Nature, affixed to the gift of time: La Jollans can’t take the risk of El Niño’s predicted heavy rains, storm surge and flooding lying down.
Since preparation is key to riding out a natural disaster, I hope the following El Niño Preparation Check List will help us weather the stormy days ahead:
Property and Yard Prep
- Clear Gutters: Remove leaves and dirt from gutters and downspouts so water flows away from your foundation.
- Check Roofs: Look for missing or broken roof tiles, vulnerable seals around windows and skylights and damaged flashing to stop leaks.
- Inspect Slopes: Check yard slopes for cracks or sliding soil, which can lead to mudslides.
- Secure Loose Items: Store patio furniture, toys and garden tools indoors so high winds do not blow them away.
- Stock Sandbags: Purchase sandbags and plastic sheeting early to divert water away from doorways.
Family and Emergency Kit
- Pack Go-Kits: Keep flashlights, extra batteries, cell phone and lap top chargers, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or NOAA weather radio, pet food, medications and non-perishable food ready.
- Store Water: Keep clean drinking water (at least three gallons per person, for a minimum of 72 hours) stored in sealed, food-grade containers.
- Save Documents: Scan important papers like insurance policies and identification onto your phone or a secure cloud drive.
- Check Insurance: Remember that standard home insurance does not cover floods, and flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Vehicle Readiness
- Test Wipers: Replace old windshield wipers so you can see clearly in heavy downpours.
- Check Tires: Make sure your tires have deep tread to prevent slipping on wet roads.
- Keep Gas Tank Full: Keep your car fuel tank at least half full during storm season.
Stay Informed and Safe
- Sign up for alerts: Register your cell phone with your local county or city emergency alert system.
- Practice evacuation routes: Review and practice your family evacuation plan, including alternative routes out of your neighborhood.
- Avoid flooded roads: Never drive or walk through flooded roadways or moving water.
Strong communities are resilient communities. Take time, over the next few weeks, to connect with neighbors old and new. Take note of those who are elderly, live alone or are home bound. Exchange phone numbers and create an emergency phone tree. Host an El Niño 101 forum at a neighborhood park or library.
Community is powered by a collective faith capable of moving mountains. Since we’re all in this together, let’s take this opportunity to harness the power of us!
Molly Bowman-Styles
La Jolla Village News newsletter host
La Jolla story spotlight
San Diego County’s iconic coastal locations face triple threat from ‘Super El Niño’
By Thomas Murphy • Times of San Diego
Researchers see multiple threats to San Diego County’s top coastal landmarks from the weather pattern.
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