In this guide
Prepare for atmospheric rivers by fixing known leaks, clearing drainage safely, checking local alerts, and planning for evacuation and outages. During a storm, follow official instructions and stay out of floodwater.
Keep it handy
A free printable for this guide
Save a copy for your fridge or binder. No email needed.
Storm readiness checklist
Prepare for heavy rain, wind and evacuation before conditions become dangerous.
Read the checklist online
Work through this before severe weather. Keep the completed plan with your emergency supplies.
Follow local alerts and evacuation orders. Never walk or drive through floodwater. Skip outdoor work once conditions are unsafe.
Before the weather arrives
- Check local forecasts and sign up for your city or county emergency alerts.
- Choose a meeting place, an evacuation route and a backup place to stay with pets.
- Charge phones and power banks; gather medication, water, food, flashlights and essential documents.
- From ground level, look for loose outdoor items and blocked drainage. Arrange qualified help for roof, gutter or tree work.
Before you leave
- Bring emergency supplies and pet essentials. Let your household contact know where you are going.
- Move important belongings out of low areas only while it is safe to do so.
- Keep a copy of household contacts and insurance information available offline.
Space to fill in
- Local alert source
- Meeting place / backup
- Route / alternative route
- Who checks on whom
Reference guidance
Make it your own
Prepare together
Household emergency plan
Put your contacts, meeting places, pet needs and utility locations on one personal fridge sheet.
Make your fridge sheetPrepare your property before heavy rain arrives, then put personal safety first during the storm. The most useful work is specific: repair a known roof leak, clear a blocked drain, protect important records, and decide where your household will go if officials advise evacuation.
What an atmospheric river means for your home
An atmospheric river is a long corridor of water vapor transported through the atmosphere. It can produce rain or snow when it reaches land. NOAA explains that these systems supply valuable water, while prolonged or heavy precipitation can also bring flooding and mudslides. The label alone does not tell you how much rain will fall at your address.
For LA County, check NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard; for Orange County, check NWS San Diego. Read local forecasts, flood alerts, road closures, and evacuation instructions as the event develops.
Before a storm is forecast
- Repair known entry points. Arrange inspection of recurring roof, window, or exterior-wall leaks. Photograph existing stains so you can recognize new damage.
- Keep drainage available. Have gutters and roof drains cleaned safely. Clear accessible private surface drains, and report obstructed public drains to Public Works. Do not enter channels or remove public drain covers.
- Check low storage areas. Move important papers and portable valuables out of places that have flooded before, and keep digital copies of essential records.
- Plan for the household. Charge backup batteries, check flashlights, and gather medicines, pet supplies, and mobility or communication aids.
LA County's flood-preparation guidance covers drainage, document protection, and household planning. Our maintenance calendar can turn property checks into recurring tasks.
When heavy rain is approaching
Follow your local agency's advice on sandbags and their placement before conditions become dangerous. Secure loose outdoor items when it is safe. Review the meeting place and contacts in your household emergency plan. People who need help evacuating should arrange transportation early.
Hillside and canyon properties downstream from a recent wildfire need additional preparation. Read our post-fire debris-flow guide; ordinary flood precautions do not make a debris-flow hazard area safe.
During heavy rain
Obey evacuation instructions. Do not climb onto a roof, reach into an overflowing drain, or walk or drive through floodwater. Stay out of rooms where water may contact electrical outlets or equipment. The National Weather Service's flood-safety guidance explains why moving water, hidden road damage, and electrical hazards make these conditions dangerous. Call 911 for an immediate threat to life.
After the storm
Return only when authorities allow it and avoid visibly damaged or unsafe areas. From safe locations, record when water appeared, which rooms are affected, and any emergency work completed. Keep photos and receipts together in our damage documentation organizer. Contact your insurer about its reporting process and arrange an assessment of wet materials. Our storm damage restoration team can discuss the building cleanup and repair needs after access is safe.
How we prepare and update our guides
Related serviceWater Damage RestorationEmergency water extraction & dryingAbout Save The Day Restoration
Save The Day Restoration is a locally owned, IICRC-certified restoration and reconstruction company serving all of Los Angeles and Orange County. The team coordinates water, fire, and mold restoration and reconstruction, including specialist work when needed. Licensed (CSLB #1049188), bonded, and insured, with 24/7 emergency response.
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