El Niño has dumped it’s first major downpour of the season on Southern California, and the storm is expected to continue throughout the week. With this change in weather, Assembly Floor Leader Chris Holden (D-41st District) urges residents of Southern California to educate themselves to stay safe and protect their homes during this stormy season. Cities and counties are doing their best to prepare for El Niño by keeping the drains cleared and providing free sandbags for residents.
Holden says, “We can drastically mitigate any damage or harm from El Niño if everyone does their part.” He encourages residents to clear out their drains and gutters, collect sand bags if needed and to keep an emergency kit for their homes. Holden warns residents to stay aware of their surroundings by paying close attention to the weather, road conditions when operating a vehicle, flooding and mudslides. He says this will be a collaborative process for Southern California residents to carry on safely through this stormy season.
For more preparedness tips, where to pick up free sand bags, and apps available to connect residents with city utility companies Holden recommends people visit: http://asmdc.org/members/a41/other-resources/el-nino-storm-preparation.