PREPARE NOW FOR EL NINO

Meteorologists agree there is a high probability that Southern California will experience a warmer, wetter winter than average because of the El Nino effect. Earlier this week representatives from a half dozen county agencies addressed a crowd of almost 200 with a clear message: Your efforts and preparations prior to an event will turn determine your outcome. Begin with an assessment of your property, consider retaining walls, gutters, and other alterations to protect your home and family in the event of swift moving waters and debris flows. Make sure gutters and drains are clear; have tarps, sand bags, plywood, and shovels on hand. Prepare an emergency supply kit with items needed for at least three days on your own; keep another kit in your vehicle and top off the fuel tank when bad weather is forecast. Always follow instructions from authorities and tune into Z107.7 for current conditions and advisories.