Total Integrity Insurance Services

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What Can A Property Owner Do To Prepare For El Niño We have all seen the weather reports about the imminent threat of an El Niño. What is El Niño? NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) defines it as a weather pattern characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific. This translates to a longer and wetter winter. This is usually a welcoming situation given the mutli-year drought that we have experienced here in California. Her...e lies the danger for property owners. The dry ground will have a more difficult time absorbing the excess water which collects and flows downhill. So these two weather conditions compounds the likelihood of flooding- including areas that normally do not experience flood. What can a property owner do to protect their property? Here are some action items: Clean out gutters and down spouts when this system fails, all the rain falling on the roof goes directly onto the ground right next to the property. Inspect roof professional inspection is the best, but if you decide to do it yourself make sure everything is in good working order. Missing or out-of-place tiles/shingles or bubbling, cracks, or any type of plant growth all signal problems that warrant immediate attention. Trim trees around the property the leaves over the property especially over the roof adds the risk of clogged drains on the roof and on the ground adds to the likelihood to water accumulating and entering the property. Inspect and clean out drains around the property to make sure they are working properly. Don't limit your attnetion with only upstream, also look at downstream. For example, a clogged street gutter upstream makes more water to approach your property, but just as dangerous is a clogged street gutter downstream from you as water level rise very fast during a heavy rain storm. Consider flood insurance - even if you do not live in a flood prone area, this might be the year to do so. If your property is not in a high risk area, the premium can be relatively inexpensive. Ask if your property qualifies for preferred rates for low risk areas (available to low risk properties) Also remember, there is a 30 day waiting period, so get this done early. Sandbags If your property is next to a hill, consider placing sandbags to divert water around your property. Best advise don't wait for the rain to start, there is likelihood for shortages, and it's not fun to do this in the rain. Sump pump first , inspect that is is working with the drain line all in working order. This includes double checking the backup power in case the power goes out. Henry Yang is the president of Total Integrity Insurance Services, an independent brokerage serving property owners in the East Bay Area. Questions (925)247-4356 [email protected]