El Niño is coming our way; are you ready?

At this point€”years into our California drought€”rain seems like a foreign concept. It won't for long though! Experts are predicting a very wet winter thanks largely to El Niño. Based on climate models and natural phenomena, they're saying that this winter's El Niño should be similar to 1997's, which cost 17 lives and over $500 million in damages. Are you ready for this kind of massive storm? You can be, if you use these pointers!

• Update Your Maintenance: Give your home it's best chance at keeping water out by making sure you're up-to-date on your home maintenance. Re-caulk areas that need it around your doors and windows, clear your gutters, and put drainage soil at low points in your yard near your home.
• Update Your Emergency Kit: If your area is evacuated due to flooding or mudslides, having a pre-packed emergency kit will make leaving on time easier. Create yours today with water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, a radio, changes of clothes, and toiletries.
• Update Your Insurance: Did you know that standard homeowners insurance policies exclude coverage for floods? In order to be protected if a flood causes serious€”and seriously expensive€”water damage to your home, you need a flood insurance policy. This type of coverage requires a 30-day waiting period, so don't wait to get it!

Do you have the flood insurance your home needs to weather El Niño this winter? To talk to an expert about how your family can put this protection in place before serious storms come to Thousand Oaks, contact Weeks & Associates Insurance Services today!