With El Niño expected to influence the 2026–2027 winter season, San Francisco Bay Area residents should start thinking about the possibility of heavier rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and power outages.
Now is a good time to take a closer look at your home and make sure you're prepared before the next big storm arrives.
Prevent the discovery of a leaking roof during a downpour or realizing your emergency supplies are missing when the power goes out.
A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.
Your El Niño Home Preparation Checklist
1. Check Your Roof & Secure Outdoor Space
Have your gutters cleaned and free of leaves and debris.
Check that downspouts are clear and direct water away from your home's foundation.
Clear exterior drains and check nearby storm drains for debris.
Inspect your roof for damaged shingles, flashing, or known leaks.
Repair existing roof leaks before the rainy season.
Check windows and doors for potential water entry.
Secure loose outdoor furniture, umbrellas, planters, and decorations.
2. Prepare for a Power Outage
Keep flashlights and extra batteries accessible.
Fully charge portable power banks.
Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
Know how to manually open your garage door.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during an outage.
If you have a generator, make sure it is operated safely outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors and windows.
Keep drinking water and nonperishable food available.
Have essential medications accessible.
3. Have a Go-Bag Ready
If you need to evacuate quickly, you don't want to spend precious time searching for important belongings.
Identification and copies of important documents.
Cash and essential cards.
Prescription medications and a first-aid kit.
A change of clothes, warm layers, and sturdy shoes.
Phone chargers and portable battery packs.
Drinking water and ready-to-eat food.
Flashlight and emergency contacts.
Keys and other essential personal items.
Some Bay Area residents in flood-prone areas even keep kayaks or other appropriate watercraft ready as part of their emergency planning. However, never attempt to travel through floodwater. Follow evacuation instructions and use safe routes.
4. Make A Plan for Children and Pets
For children:
Extra clothing, jackets, and comfortable shoes.
Snacks, drinking water, and comfort items.
Essential medications and medical information.
Books, games, or activities for power outages.
Emergency contacts and a family meeting point.
For pets:
At least a three-day supply of food (kibble is easier to and water).
Leashes, collars, carriers, and identification tags.
Medications and vaccination records.
Waste bags, litter, and portable food and water bowls.
A recent photo of your pet.
5. Review Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance
An emergency is not the time to discover that you don't understand your insurance coverage.
Review your current homeowners or renters insurance policy.
Ask your insurance agent what types of water damage and flooding are covered.
Check exclusions and whether separate flood insurance is needed.
Understand what happens if your home becomes temporarily unlivable.
Keep your policy information and insurance company's contact details somewhere accessible.
Make sure you have an updated home inventory with photos and videos of your belongings.
Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn't necessarily cover flood damage. Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.
Do You Know What Your Renter's or Homeowner's Insurance Covers?
Don't Wait Until the First Big Storm
You don't have to prepare everything in one afternoon. Start with your roof and outdoor space, then work your way through your household emergency supplies.
Take a little time this week to walk through your home and ask yourself:
If the power went out tonight or we needed to leave our home tomorrow, would we be ready?
It's much easier to prepare when you have time to think clearly rather than when everyone is rushing.
Stay safe, stay organized, and take care of your home and the people (and pets!) in it.
Isabella Guajardo, founder and owner of Girl With A Truck™ & Bella Organizing, is a San Francisco Bay Area professional organizer offering home organizing, Biophilic Design, and residential move management services throughout the Greater San Francisco Bay Area since 2007.
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