El Nino 2016
What to know:
- Do not walk or drive into flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Clean rain gutters and drains to prevent flooding on your property.
- Consider buying flood insurance.
- Get your free sandbags from your nearest fire station.
- If your area is under flood watch, take steps to protect your home. Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- If water is flowing down your street, do not put out your trashcans. Just one trashcan can block a drain and flood an entire street.
- Prepare an emergency kit for you and your family that includes food, water, and first aid supplies.
- Sign up for Alert LA County for emergency alerts sent to your phone or email.
Damage at the San Pedro Breakwater
Last month, the Army Corps of Engineers informed me of significant damage on the San Pedro breakwater. This is alarming considering the purpose the breakwater serves protecting our port from dangerous waves.
I have gone on a boat out to see the damage up close and am calling on the head of the Army Corps, Jo Ellen Darcy, to immediately make funds available for repairs.
If we do not fix it, there is a possibility a storm surge could cause a breach in the damaged breakwater and send waves into the Port of Los Angeles. With El Niño storms on their way, leaving this breakwater in disrepair is not a risk we can take.
