By J. S. Anderson

To a standing-room-only crowd at Fire Station 11 on Nov. 17, leaders of the Heartland Fire and Rescue Department, La Mesa Police Department, and La Mesa Public Works Department provided community members emergency preparedness information about this year’s El Nino.

Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center estimate this year’s El Niño will be “among the strongest on record.” NOAA predicts local temperatures could be 40 percent higher than normal and precipitation may 50 percent greater than usual in the period of December through March.

After a welcome by Fire Chief Rick Sitta, La Mesa Assistant Public Works Director Leon Firsht spoke to how the city is preparing. For example, evaluating trees that are in danger of falling, trimming palm trees, checking storm drains and channels, readying equipment and materials and having supervisors on-call around the clock. Firsht said sand and sandbags are available for La Mesa residents (10 at a time) at the Public Works Operations site located at 8152 Commercial St.

Police Chief Walt Vasquez said the police department is increasing training for officers, staff and volunteers on emergency response for actions such as swift-water rescues and dealing with downed power lines. He said a call back system is in place to ramp up manning if needed.

The next speaker was Fire Department Division Chief Sweeney, who began by describing known and potential areas for flooding using a flood zone map that is available online at heartlandfire.org/el-nino.

Sweeny told the audience safety training for El Niño-related issues like swift-water rescue and collapsed-building rescue is a regional and team effort involving the fire department, police department, public works department, and SDG&E, which handles downed power lines during storms.

The department uses a “trigger point” approach in its response planning, Sweeny said. If a certain threshold is met, staffing will increase proactively. Sweeny also explained the Reverse 911 system, which would be used in emergencies, such as evacuations. For traditional telephone land lines, the service is automatic, however cellular phones need to be activated by signing up online at readysandiego.org/alertsandiego. For those whose telephone service is provided via their Internet provider, sign up by a process known as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).

Mona Freels, Heartland Fire and Rescue’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, was the key speaker of the night’s presentation, covering topics like preparation, response, and recovery planning for the expected weather changes.

One of the ways to prepare for El Niño, Freels said, is to get flood insurance, which is specific to damage from external sources of water and not damage from broken pipes. Under the National Flood Insurance Program, it takes 30 days for coverage to be effective, so now is a good time to obtain a policy Contact your insurance agent or go to fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program.

Before the rains is also the time to place valuables in a safe-deposit box and scan important papers and maintain those electronic files somewhere separate from your home or business, said Freels. Another way to prepare before the storms is to stock up on items like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and other building materials for waterproofing. Just in case an evacuation is required, keep your vehicle fueled (at least a half-tank), because if electricity goes out, gas stations will not be able to pump fuel. Also, know your primary and alternate routes to depart your home, just in case.

During rainstorms, the first rule of caution is “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” said Freels. Never attempt to cross water that is above your knees or drive across a flooded road where the water depth “is not obviously safe.” Tune into local radio stations, Heartland Fire social media sites, and the San Diego Emergency App for emergency information. If advised to evacuate, follow the instructions of local authorities and quickly relocate yourself, family, and pets to a safe area.

If a sudden emergency were to require immediate evacuation of your home or business, Freels said to prepare in advance by designating a primary and alternate meeting place where a head count can be made to ensure everyone got out. Make sure everyone in the home or business knows these locations and what to do. Another good piece of advice Freels shared was to plan for notifying out-of-area family and friends in the event of an emergency.

In response to a question about shelters, Freels told the audience the city is partnered with the Red Cross and has identified twelve shelters for use in emergencies. Should evacuation be required, authorities will identify which will be open. In case you are required to stay at a shelter, be prepared by gathering and staging basic supplies such as food, water, cash in small denominations (credit/debit cards may not work if the electricity is out), important documents, clothes and shoes, personal hygiene items, pet care supplies, personal needs items (medications and assistive devices), flash lights and batteries, and kits for the kids (toys, books).

Freels suggested keeping essentials in plastic or rubber buckets with secure lids, periodically rotating any perishables. Included in planning should be kits to take in the car if evacuation becomes necessary.

After the rain, if the gas has been shut off, do not attempt to turn it on –– rely on SDG&E, Freels said. Also, follow all instructions regarding the safety of drinking water. If in doubt, boil it for at least a minute. Use common sense and avoid downed power lines and other hazards the weather may have caused. And stay tuned to radio, television, and social media for up to date information.

For additional information, go to the Heartland Fire and Rescue El Nino website heartlandfire.org/el-nino.

––J.S. Anderson is a freelance writer, a former Marine and a retired college administrator who worked at SDSU, UCSD and the Preuss school. Write to him at [email protected].