Rain is usually welcome here in Southern California. Our gardens need it, our hills turn green, and there’s something especially nice about a rainy day when you can stay home.
Of course, it’s much easier to enjoy when you’re not looking for a bucket to catch a ceiling leak.
With El Niño comes more attention to the possibility of a wet winter. While it doesn’t guarantee how much rain we’ll get, it’s a good reason to take care of a few things around the house before the storms arrive. These are worthwhile habits every fall, whatever the forecast.
Start with the gutters and drains
This is probably nobody’s favorite weekend project, but it’s a good place to begin. Leaves, dirt, and branches can keep water from going where it should.
Have your gutters and downspouts cleaned, clear accessible yard drains, and check where the water goes once it leaves the downspout. If it pools beside your house or heads toward the garage, that deserves attention before a heavy rain. Los Angeles County recommends clearing drains and gutters and repairing roof leaks ahead of storms.
And if cleaning the gutters involves a ladder you’re not comfortable on, hire someone. There’s no prize for doing every home project yourself.
Remember that little leak from last winter?
The ceiling stain you’ve been meaning to investigate? The window that leaks only when the wind blows a certain way? Now is the time.
Walk through your home and look for signs of moisture around ceilings, windows, and exterior doors. Make a list of anything you noticed during previous storms, even if it seemed minor.
If you have a roof concern, schedule an inspection while it’s dry. You’ll have more time to understand the problem and arrange repairs before the next storm.
Think about where water collects
Every property has its quirks. Maybe your driveway slopes toward the garage, a patio drain backs up, or one corner of the yard turns into a small pond.
Start with what you already know about your home. Clear blocked drains and have recurring drainage problems evaluated.
For those of us living near the San Gabriel Mountains, slopes and recent wildfire burn areas need extra attention. Los Angeles County has a homeowner’s guide to flood, debris, and erosion control that can help you understand when professional guidance is needed.
Pick up sandbags before everyone needs them
If you’ve needed sandbags before, don’t wait until the rain starts to find them.
Check with your local fire department for current locations and availability, and follow its placement instructions. Sandbags can help redirect water, but they won’t make your home waterproof.
Give the patio and garage a quick once-over
Close and secure umbrellas, bring cushions inside, and put away anything that could blow around. If you store boxes or keepsakes on the garage floor, move them somewhere less vulnerable to water.
Check your sprinkler schedule, too. Turn off automatic irrigation before, during, and immediately after rain.
Have a few basics ready
Know where your flashlights are, charge your backup batteries, and check that you have essential supplies for everyone in the household, including pets.
Sign up for notifications through Alert LA County, and follow evacuation instructions if your neighborhood is affected.
You don’t need to spend your whole weekend preparing for rain. Start with the things your home has already shown you need attention, then work through the rest.
And if you need a roofer, gutter cleaner, or another local professional in Pasadena or the San Gabriel Valley, reach out. I’m happy to help you find a resource.
Finally, check out this great resource sheet from the California Department of Developmental Services.