Get your jiu-jitsu tactics ready for the 'Bruce Lee' El Niño
Storms fueled by El Niño in the late fall and early winter could hit so quickly and powerfully that the weather pattern has been given a fighting name: Bruce Lee (at least that's how one climate.gov writer is referring to it).
El Niño is a natural climate cycle defined as warmer-than-average seawater in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which changes weather patterns around the world, from Australia to the Americas to Europe and Africa.
Local, state and federal officials began issuing alerts and holding news conferences over the past week to make the public more aware of the potential for rough weather and to relay sound safety advice.
El Niño conditions manifest at different times in different places, meaning distinct preparation steps can and should be taken depending on where you live.
To stand up to the El Niño's strength — which is believed to be record-setting — go back to basic defensive tactics.
If you live at elevation or in the mountains:
• Make roof repairs now. Precipitation means snow at higher elevations. The rule of thumb is snow weighs about 20 pounds per cubic foot. Do the math on your roof size and hundred or thousands of extra pounds can be added by snowfall. A whole roof can cave if it’s in disrepair.
• Tighten up weather stripping and caulk around windows, doors and vent openings to keep the cold and snow out.
• Store extra blankets, food and water (enough for at least three days) in case you get snowed in.
• Prep your vehicle. Now is the time to switch to winter tires and put snow chains in the trunk. Don’t forget to keep antifreeze full and switch to lighter engine oil. It flows better and gives you better miles per gallon in winter.
If you live on a mountainside:
• Mudflows happen most frequently on mountainsides, so plan ahead and plant shrubs and other vegetation around the edges of your property to help absorb water and prevent them.
• If you get caught in a mudslide, look upstream so you can see what is coming your way. Large objects, even cars, can get swept away and move quickly toward you.
• Get out of the disaster zone as quickly as possible. Even if the flow has subsided, additional slides can occur.
• Keep a shovel and traction pads in the trunk of your vehicle in case you get stuck in the mud trying to evacuate. Also, it’s a good idea to have a pair of knee-high mud boots on hand. First responders and firemen wear these for a reason: they give you traction and keep you dry in muddy times.
If you live in a valley:
• Check flood hazard maps and get flood insurance far ahead of the wet season. Remember, it takes 30 days before flood insurance takes effect after you purchase it.
• Construct flood barriers with sandbags if runoff gets severe and seal and waterproof roofs, basements and windows.
• Clean out your drains and gutters. If it floods inside, go upstairs or to your roof for safety.
• Perhaps buy a rain barrel. Some districts even give them away. Capture the rain for another day!
• If you drive to evacuate, don’t speed. You risk hydroplaning. Also, don’t attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Find other routes. If you are on foot, use a long stick to suss out the area in front of you. You never know what you might fall into if you can’t see the ground ahead. Of course, avoid any downed power lines and remember water can act as an electrical conduit so stay far away.
If you live on the coast:
• An El Niño can increase sea level rise and storm surges. It can increase wave strength by 30%. That means if you live at the shore, take extra steps this year to secure your property.
• Build flood barriers such as sea walls or have sandbags handy in case you have to build a temporary flood barrier.
• Plan an escape route. This is very important. Have evacuation alternatives and keep on top of weather reports.
• Buy sump pumps and generators in advance. These can and likely will sell out quickly come storm time.
• Lastly, if you live close to shore, you may have a boat. Make sure you secure longer lines to accommodate for storm surge and install fenders. Also, make sure it faces open water. This gives it more stability. Never stay onboard even if it is docked. Get to shore. Fifty percent of all hurricane-related deaths occur when boat owners try to secure their boats in worsening conditions.
The bottom line is to be prepared. As Bruce Lee himself might have even advised: strike first.
Thomas M. Kostigen is the founder of TheClimateSurvivalist.com and a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. He is the National Geographic author of "Extreme Weather Survival Guide: Understand, Prepare, Survive, Recover" and the NG Kids book, "Extreme Weather: Surviving Tornadoes, Tsunamis, Hailstorms, Thundersnow, Hurricanes and More!" Follow him @weathersurvival, or email kostigen@theclimatesurvivalist.com.
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