Santa Clarita Urges Residents to Prepare for Rain as El Niño Develops
The City of Santa Clarita issued a news release on October 15 urging residents and businesses to prepare now as El Niño conditions continue to develop. Southern California may see wetter-than-normal conditions this fall and winter, raising the potential for heavy rain, flooding, landslides and debris flows.
The city explains that El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern that warms the Pacific Ocean. While it does not guarantee a wet winter, it increases the likelihood of stronger storms and periods of heavy rain in Southern California, which can bring flooding, debris flows, fallen trees and power lines, roadway hazards and power outages.
Before heavy rain arrives, the city advises residents to clear leaves and debris from gutters, drainage areas and storm drains; obtain sandbags and place them before storms begin; assemble an emergency kit with water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies and important documents for home, work and vehicle; and know their evacuation zone and routes. Sandbag locations and preparedness resources are posted at ReadyforRain.SantaClarita.gov.
During an emergency, the city will post updates on its Emergency Blog at SantaClaritaEmergency.com. Residents can text SCEMERGENCY to 888777 for Nixle alerts, sign up for Alert LA notifications, and check evacuation zones through Genasys Protect. Drivers are urged to slow down, never drive through standing water, and to call 9-1-1 — without touching — any downed power line.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：圣克拉丽塔谷的居民区与周边山丘。图片来源：Chevy111，Wikimedia Commons，CC BY-SA 4.0。Photo: Neighborhoods and surrounding hills in the Santa Clarita Valley. Image: Chevy111, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
