Even without El Nino, it rains in California!

Statewide, the 1997-98 El Nino phenomenon brought record rainfall to Santa Barbara, Ventura and several other cities. It also caused 17 deaths and more than $550 million In property losses.

El Nino has come and gone, but that doesn't mean Californians can put away their rain gear.

Even in an average year, severe storms can cause flash floods, contaminate the drinking water supply, disrupt electrical service and damage homes and contents. They also can strand individuals playing near or crossing streams, rivers, flood control channels and intersections.

Since 1975, winter storms have claimed more than 100 lives, caused approximately 600 injuries and more than $61 billion in property and agricultural losses. The winter storms of 1995 and 1997 alone combined to cause 36 deaths and more than $3 billion in property losses.

The table below shows how the 1997-98 El Nino rainfall in several Southern California cities and towns compared with that in an average year. Use this information and the recommendations following to help reduce your risk of death, injury and property losses from flooding wherever you live, work or play.

Click to check current and seasonal rainfall amounts!

Be prepared to respond to flooding by taking the following actions before the rains and flooding begin:

• Assemble emergency supply kits for your home and place of work. Include the following items:

Flashlights and extra batteries
Sandbags
Plastic sheeting
Plywood
Lumber

• Store emergency building materials in a location away from potential flooding.

• Store a seven-day supply of water (at least one gallon per person, per day) in closed, clean containers.

• Teach children not to play in or near rivers, streams or other areas of potential flooding.

• Maintain fuel in your cars; electrical outages might make gasoline pumps inoperable.

• Identify safe routes from your home or workplace to high, safe ground. Determine whether you can use these routes during flooding or storms. Be familiar with your geographic surroundings.

• Check with your local public works, building or planning department to see if you live in an area subject to flooding.

• Clear debris and overgrowth from on-site drainage facilities.

• Notify your local department of public works about debris and overgrowth in public drainage facilities.

• Work with neighbors to solve potential drainage problems and to avoid diverting debris onto their properties. Consult a licensed civil engineer if you're in doubt.

• Relocate valuables from lower to upper floors.
  

• Be prepared to move to a safe place before flood waters cut off access when local authorities advise.

• Identify an out-of-state contract so that friends and relatives can obtain information about your conditions and whereabouts.

• Disconnect all electrical appliances or turn off electric circuits at the fuse panel or circuit breaker panel before evacuating.

• Avoid unnecessary trips.
• Do not drive or walk through moving water.
• Do not "sightsee" or enter restricted areas.
• Stay away from streams, rivers, flood control channels and other areas subject to sudden flooding.
• Move to higher ground if you're caught by rising waters.

• Abandon your car immediately if it stalls. Seek higher ground. Attempts to move stalled vehicles have caused many deaths.

• Listen to the radio or watch television for information and instructions.

• Use the phone only to report dangerous conditions or emergencies that are life threatening. Report damaged utilities to the appropriate agencies.

• Listen to the radio or watch television for information and instructions from local officials.
• Call your utility companies to restore service.
• Do not use fresh or canned foods that have come into contact with flood waters.
• Follow the instructions of local officials regarding the safety of drinking water. Boil or purify water if you're in doubt. Pump our wells and test the water before drinking.
• Avoid going into disaster areas.
• Stay away from live electrical equipment in wet areas. Check electrical equipment or appliances that come into contact with water before using them.
• Maintain a safe distance from downed power lines and broken gas lines; immediately report them to the appropriate utility.

• Use flashlights, rather than lanterns, candles or matches, to check on the condition of the buildings. Flammables may be present.

Damage and other flooding losses are not covered by most homeowner's insurance policies. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers special flood insurance through its National Flood Insurance Program. Contact your insurance agent or call FEMA at (800) 638-6620 for more information.

Extracted and adapted from "Be Winter Wise", published by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, and "Be Flood Aware," published by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.  Hazards are not limited to the listed topics and can occur at any time.

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