How to prepare for El Niño in Monterey County.

Gearing up to what is anticipated to be one of the strongest El Niño seasons in years, Monterey County officials have released guidance on how to protect yourself and property from what could be a very rainy winter season. 

For the record: El Niño isn't a storm – it's a weather pattern. It's likely to cause winter storms with heavy rainfall resulting in coastal erosion, power outages and floods. While these intense storms are not guaranteed, local officials say it's still important to plan ahead. 

County officials are also particularly worried about the burn scars in Big Sur as a result of the Timber and Plaskett Fires, which could cause extra runoff and flooding. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved a state of emergency declaration Oct. 13. 

Here's where you can get resources to protect yourself and your property, as county officials outlined in an Oct. 21 briefing. There may also be webinars or meetings you can go to based on your county district or city.

Emergency alerts: 

You can sign up for alerts from various entities. Alert Monterey County is the official emergency and warning system, and there is an emergency alert feed available online. 

Power outage alerts:

For alerts to PG&E power outages, you can sign up here. Officials also recommend stocking up on extra batteries for radios and flashlights.

Sandbags: 

See all locations for unincorporated Monterey County to obtain sandbags and sand here. (Cities have their own sandbag locations.) There are 18 locations to pick up sandbags, and 27 locations to obtain sand; some are even in the same location, or close in proximity. Sandbags are not pre-filled. Officials recommend obtaining them ahead of time to prepare for floods. 

Evacuation zones: 

Whether it’s flood or fire, the county alerts residents through their official channels when they are under evacuation warnings or orders. To find out what evacuation zone you are in, check your address with this map. 

Preparing your home: 

There are steps you can take to prepare your home for inclement weather. County officials recommend some actions to be completed in September, such as a roof and flashing inspection, tree trimming or limb removal before services are booked out. 

Through October, they also recommend gutter and downspout cleaning, and collecting sandbags before storm watches are issued. They also recommend drainage and grading work, which requires dry soil to do. 

Anytime before November, also consider getting your water heater and supply line checked. 

Generally, officials recommend removing dead trees or overhanging branches near any structures, and making an effort to secure anything you keep outdoors, like garbage cans or furniture. If needed, you can also purchase flood insurance, which can be separate from your home insurance policy.