How GRF prepares for heavy rains

Weather forecasters are predicting a Super El Niño this fall, a powerful weather system that could bring heavy rain, strong winds and higher flood risk to California and Orange County this year, according to the National Weather Service.

Leisure World residents should remember: You’re On Your Own (YOYO) in case of an emergency. Residents are responsible for adequately preparing for emergencies and natural disasters.

While residents and their Mutuals conduct individual disaster planning, Golden Rain Foundation staff conduct ongoing precautionary maintenance to ensure the wellbeing of community facilities.

What does the Golden Rain Foundation do before and during storm events?

Throughout the year, GRF Service Maintenance crews

work proactively to reduce the impact of storms and heavy rains. This includes cleaning and managing storm drains, clearing gutters and conducting daily inspections of the community’s two pump stations—located at Clubhouse 2 and the Amphitheater—to ensure they are operating properly. This ensures that the pumps are prepared to handle increased water flow during storm events.

When heavy rain is forecasted, GRF takes additional precautions to prepare facilities and respond quickly if needed. Service Maintenance ensures supplies like sandbags, sand and plastic sheeting are readily available and stocked for emergency use.

Sandbags are typically needed when there is a risk of stormwater entering a residential unit or building, which is relatively rare in Leisure World. Their primary purpose is to help divert or slow water from entering doorways, garages or other low-lying areas that may be vulnerable to heavy rainfall. In most cases, sandbags are only necessary when significant rain is forecasted and there is concern about localized flooding or water intrusion. Sandbags may be distributed upon a Mutual’s request as conditions warrant. Service Maintenance recommends that residents defer to their Mutuals for guidance on when to implement sandbags.

When a storm is underway, Service Maintenance staff monitors storm drains and drainage systems to help ensure water flows are unobstructed. Maintenance personnel remain on standby to respond to emergency situations as they arise—such as laying tarp on leaking roofs for Mutuals.

Understanding Mutual responsibility Certain storm preparation activities are the responsibility of individual Mutuals. At the request of a Mutual, GRF can assist with cleaning drains and gutters and can provide sandbags. Residents who have questions regarding Mutualspecific storm preparation efforts, gutter maintenance or sandbags should contact their Mutual boards of directors for guidance.

Personal responsibility and preparing for storms Leisure World residents should remember: You’re On Your Own (YOYO) in case of an emergency. It is important that every household prepares adequately for emergencies. Utilities may be out, phone lines down, water systems and transportation out of commission, while emergency personnel is short-handed.

To prepare for such an event, every household should have a seven-day supply of essentials in a sturdy and easy to carry container. It should include all of the items listed on the checklist above.

Here are a few additional ways to prepare:

• Keep a list of emergency contacts in your wallet and near your phone, including family members, neighbors and doctors.

• If you rely on medical devices that need power, contact your utility company in advance to learn about priority restoration programs or register for backup support.

• Store extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, and any mobility aids you may need in your emergency kit.

• Identify exit routes from your unit and practice using them. Make sure walkways are free of clutter and well lit.

• Keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight next to your bed in case an earthquake strikes at night.

• Make arrangements with a friend or neighbor to check on each other during and after an emergency.

Getting up to date information during an emergency During an emergency, having access to up-to-date information is extremely important to guide decisionmaking. For a list of local emergency notification systems that provide information via text, phone call and/or email, and instructions on how to sign up, see page 4.

For more information about emergency and disaster preparedness, contact the Seal Beach Police Department at 562-799-4100, ext. 1145.

Service Maintenance recommends that residents defer to their Mutuals for guidance on when to implement sandbags.