Flood Insurance

The heralding of El Nino has been splashed across newspapers and television screens. Now Orange County has gotten into the act with an El Nino Web site that informs residents what to do and whom to call if the heavy rains come.

“With the new electronic media, we felt that it was a good way to get our message out to the public,” said Herbert Nakasone, manager of flood programs in Orange County.

The site at https://www.oc.ca.gov was among the preparations county flood control officials discussed with the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, including clearing storm drains, emergency training for flood control workers and producing a 60-second video on flooding that is planned for distribution to local media and in movie theaters.

Nakasone said it’s all part of many months of preparation that show the county is serious about this year’s rainfall predictions.

The El Nino phenomenon, which is named after the Christ child because it often comes near Christmas, caused $100 million in damage along the California coast in the winter of 1982-83. That was the last time a major El Nino hit. Scientists are predicting this year could be even worse.

Titled El Nino Preparedness, the new Web site gives suggestions on how residents can prepare before, during and after any flooding. In addition, by clicking on different headings with a computer mouse, Internet users can find out where to contact flood officials, view maps of potential flood areas and where to get sandbags.

Other counties have weighed whether to offer similar information online, said Rick Reed, director of the Office of Emergency Services in Santa Clara County, the heart of Silicon Valley.

“My concern about having a Web site up is you need to have somebody up for feeding and caring of it, which is why we’re not doing one.”

But Reed was impressed with Orange County’s site. “I applaud what Orange County is doing,” he said, “and I wish we had the staffing to make it happen here. Maybe if there are any Webmasters out there they’ll see this and give us a call here to help put one up.”

Neither Los Angeles nor Ventura counties have gone online with flood information in anticipation of a heavy El Nino year.

“I’m going to be very curious with Orange County’s [Web site] to see how they are doing this and whether we can learn from it,” said Arthur Goulet, Ventura County director of public works.

Tuesday’s report also included how the county has prepared by upgrading its 300 miles of flood control channels, testing pump stations and moving heavy equipment to potential flood areas.

Bill Reiter, county operations chief, said the county “is in much better shape” with disaster preparedness than it was the last time El Nino hit.

“We believe we’ve prepared as much as we can,” Reiter said, “Hopefully, we will be able to respond as much as possible.”

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Diversionary Tactics

Orange County’s new El Nino Preparedness Report and Web site focus on county efforts to minimize flooding and tips for preventing and dealing with a flood. Should heavy winter rains arrive, sandbags could be a key damage-prevention tool. How to use bags around your home:

Filling and Stacking Bags

Some important things to remember when using sandbags:

* Filling: Fill halfway; overfilling makes bags heavy and difficult to move and stack

* Placing: Stack with flap tied or tucked under and pointed in direction of mud/water flow

* Stacking: Tightly layer, with each layer staggered; rows should be no more than three layers unless placed in a pyramid

DIVERTING DEBRIS

* Layer bags away from building to divert any flow of debris moving downhill

* Bags may be stacked along street to help direct flow should curbs be unable to hold back water

Where to Get Sandbags

Both city and county fire departments, listed on the Web site, will provide empty sandbags, which can be picked up at the nearest station. Residents must fill the bags. If sand is not available, bags can be filled with dirt or rocks.

Steps to Take Now

1 For insurance purposes, prepare a list of--and photograph--furnishings, clothing, valuables

2 Learn safest route from home or business to high, safe ground

3 Keep portable radio, emergency food supply, flashlight and batteries on hand

4 Buy flood insurance; know name, phone number and location of agent

5 Store valuable papers, insurance policies in safe deposit box

6 If you live in frequently flooded area, keep sandbags on hand

7 Make sure children know school’s and family’s emergency plans

8 Know location of emergency evacuation centers

Web Site

For more information on handling floods: https://www.oc.ca.gov

Sources: Orange County, Times reports