Practically every part of Southern California is prone to a natural disaster. Earthquakes aside, raging brush fires, devastating high surf, mud slides and, in the upper elevations, powerful snow storms can bring daily life to a sudden halt. The newest fear stems from the impending El Nino set to strike sometime in early January. And while the rain will bring welcome relief to the on-going drought, there is a strong possibility that there will be severe flooding, particularly in parts of the High Desert.
Palmdale plans early
The news about the impending El Nino has many communities reviewing their emergency preparedness plans because of the danger of flooding, slides, road closures, downed powerlines, etc. People residing in the hills and foothills may be especially at risk of flash floods because of the lack of watershed which has steadily burned away during the series of wildfires this summer. The city of Palmdale is trying to get ahead of the potential calamities by presenting a free presentation at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at the city council chambers, 38300 Sierra Highway, Suite B. Officials from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Sheriff’s department and the American Red Cross will discuss ways that each household can brave the heavy storms—and instruct people how to prepare for most known emergencies—at a time when most residents may believe they can forsake preparing for heavy storms because of four years of extra-dry weather.
“Being properly prepared for an emergency is important and a must for all residents,” said Kery German, Palmdale crime prevention officer. She said the daily essentials like food and water, heat and electricity, communication and transportation may be interrupted for days, and without preparing for an emergency, delay can make a difficult time even worse.
“Imagine that you have no electricity, no gas and no water?” she said. “Imagine that all of the businesses are closed; the grocery market has nothing left on the shelves. In a major disaster, it may be several days before help arrives. Do you and your family have enough necessities, if you’re instructed to ‘shelter in place’ for a minimum of three days?”
Antonovich orders report
Los Angeles County Mayor Michael Antonovich and Supervisor Hilda Solis last month ordered an “El Nino Preparedness Report” which calls on departments to report back on the county’s plan to prepare, respond to and recover from the expected heavy storm system. The board wants to know the status or capacity at the county’s flood control facilities and what plans may exist for maximizing storm water capture and retention. They also want to make good use of the expected bounty of fresh water, with a portion of the motion stating: “… it is critical that the county assess its risks and vulnerabilities and prepare for emergency response. The county should also strategize on the best way to capture and reuse the vast amounts of stormwater that will otherwise flow down into sewers and concrete rivers to the sea.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center announced this summer that there is greater than a 90-percent chance that El Nino will hit next winter and will mostly likely last well into the spring. NOAA predicted that this El Nino—coined by some forecasters as a “Godzilla El Nino”—could easily rival the intensity of the record 1997 event that resulted in 17 deaths and caused more than a half-billion dollars in damage throughout the state. Remnants of Hurricane Delores earlier this summer caused mudslides, flash floods, and a Riverside County bridge collapse.
FEMA expects busy season
“With an 85- to 90-percent chance of El Nino hitting this winter or next spring, we need to evaluate the health of our first responders and have a plan in place to deal with the damages that El Nino will incur to our region,” Solis said.
El Nino traditionally strikes the West Coast, but they’re also taking the storm seriously on the federal level. Already offices of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the largest seasons of insurance claims in two decades. Previous events such as the devastation that took place in 1997-98 and in 1983 left the Los Angeles Basin battered and bruised. In 1997, more than seven inches of rain fell in one day in parts of Orange County. News broadcasts dedicated entire shows to flooded mobile home parks in the San Fernando Valley, torrential mudslides in the hillside regions, and washed out roads in the Antelope Valley. An astonishing 13.68 inches of rain fell on Downtown Los Angeles in February 1998—about one year’s worth of rain in 28 days.
In 1983, a tropical cyclone devastated parts of Arizona, 11 hurricanes formed in the Pacific Ocean, and, most unexpected, a small tornado actually ripped through South Los Angeles resulting in the crash of an LAPD helicopter and death of a reserve officer. El Nino that year caused an estimated $8 billion in damage throughout the Pacific region.
September is time to prepare
Viewers in 1992 watched in horror as rescuers tried desperately to save 15-year-old Adam Bischoff who eventually drowned in the Los Angeles River near Encino; the normally calm flood control channel that day raged from 25 to 40 miles per hour.
A storm this week on Tuesday morning may have provided a glimpse of what may be expected next winter as a Los Angeles Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Team saved three people and a dog from being swept away along the rain-swollen L.A. River near San Fernando.
September is the traditional time that the federal government encourages emergency planning, and there is a theme to this year’s National Preparedness Month: “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”
Officials are spreading the word about how you, family and friends can best survive a major emergency, and it can all start with simple things like a good flashlight, extra batteries, a radio, food, water and, most importantly, an emergency plan with a contact list so that loved ones can communicate. The mobile phone is a handy device, but it may not always be of use during a severe weather emergency; most households still retain their telephone land line and that is for good reason because powerful electrical storms have been known to temporarily shut down mobile phone transmission towers. Also, these devices must be charged regularly and without electricity they are of little use.
On Sept. 30, federal, state and county officials nationwide will advocate for “America’s Prepare-A-Thon” which is designed to encourage people to make a plan and increase their preparedness for a natural disaster. Organizations, corporations and local partners are expected to sponsor events similar to the Palmdale presentation in hopes that more people will remain safe, there will less interruption of services, and fewer lives will be lost.
“Because Southern California is prone to earthquakes, everyone should be prepared for one,” German said. “And if you’re properly prepared for an earthquake, you’re prepared for most natural disasters such as fires and floods.”
Tips to better survive an emergency
Emergency responders know what areas are prone to flooding, what low-lying areas may be susceptible to a tsunami, and what regions will mostly likely witness a wildfire. However, most Americans are not preparing for these disasters. A 2006 poll conducted by Time Magazine revealed that 56 percent of respondents said they had gone through a disaster, but only 16 percent believed they were “well prepared” for the next one. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests each household compile a list of emergency items which may be needed, if roads become impassable, power is out, or if merchants are closed. Emergency food and water are the most immediate items every household should have on hand.
—Experts recommend that you plan for the type of disasters that can happen in the area where you live (ex. an earthquake in California, a tornado in the Midwest, a snow storm in New England).
—Discuss with family members how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen. Identify responsibilities for each person.
—If you are separated during an emergency, choose either meeting outside (in case of fire) or just outside your neighborhood, if you are asked to evacuate.
—If you are away from the landline, keep cellphones in working order. Although the lines may be clogged, you may be able to text.
—Practice an evacuation drill twice a year. This may include a practice drive along any planned evacuation route. Plot alternative routes, if roads are impassable.
—Budget emergency preparedness items as a “normal” expense. Even $20 a month can go a long way in helping you prepare for an emergency. Keep a radio, flashlight(s), batteries, blankets, etc.
—Store water in safe containers, making sure they are clean and disinfected.
—You don’t have to necessarily purchase dehydrated or other types of emergency food. Canned goods and some dry mixes can remain fresh for up to two years. Keep them in a cool, dark place.
—Review your insurance annually and make necessary changes.
Do you need flood insurance?
Of all the insurance policies maintained by Southern California residents, flood coverage may be the least common. However, an earthquake close to shore could precipitate a tsunami. The loss of watershed can mean heavy mud and debris flow along the foothills. Powerful storms associated with El Nino will mean more flood damage throughout the region.
A specific term associated with acquiring flood insurance is called an “elevation certificate” which refers to information about a particular property that will allow the National Flood Insurance Program to determine the proper premium rate, support a request for amending the current flood map rating, or comply with a flood plain management ordinance. After a disaster, an elevation certificate can help you make important decisions about rebuilding and preventing another loss.
The best way to acquire an elevation certificate is to inquire with your local municipal government to see if they have a record of the actual elevation of your property. The county hall of records may be a good source for this information. If there is information on file, you can use it towards obtaining flood insurance. If there is no information on file, you may have to hire a state-licensed surveyor or engineer to complete the elevation certificate. If it is necessary to hire someone to survey your home’s elevation, it could cost a minimum of $400 to as much as $2,000. And it may take a few weeks until the job is completed. In any event, contact your insurance agent or broker, if you believe that flood insurance may be required on your property. Some flood insurance policies can begin at $38 per month.
