The city of Chula Vista Monday night shared with the community the measures it has taken in preparation for El Niño.
“This is a serious issue for us and we’ve been preparing in public works for it as a city for the last six to seven months as it became clear that the indicators were putting together a strong El Niño year.” said Rick Hopkins, director of public works.
Hopkins said the city has cleared 146,000 square feet of vegetation and debris from several storm drain channels and culverts throughout the city in the last few months.
The city also purchased a new sandbag machine, capable of making 1,500 sandbags an hour. Sandbags are only available to Chula Vista residents and can be picked up at fire stations 1, 4, 5 and 7.
During severe storms created by the El Niño weather pattern, the Chula Vista Police Department remains active.
“In bad weather we simply see a shift for calls for service,” Lt. Mark Jones said. Jones said most calls for service have to do with traffic and pedestrian safety.
He said often the storms cause accidents, a change in traffic direction and public safety issues like fallen trees. Jones offered advice when it comes to bad weather protocal.
“Generally in bad weather you want to allow extra time, you want to slow down 5 to 10 miles an hour,” he said.
Jones also suggested conducting a vehicle check, making sure the windshield wipers, headlights and hazard lights are working.
Alex Tardy, manager and weather coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service, explained to the 20 forum attendees what El Niño is.
“El Niño isn’t something you can really see in terms of rain or wind or anything,” he said. “But what it is, is very warm ocean temperatures.”
Tardy said last week’s winter storm did very little in helping the state get out of the drought.
“Most of the reservoir response is relatively minimal statewide. We’ve got a long ways to go,” he said. “We’re missing one to two seasons of rain in our mountains, on our coast, in our valleys and deserts.”
He said last week’s storm was just the beginning of El Niño and historically February and March are the two biggest months for rainfall. In some years, Tardy said, El Niño has lasted through April.
The Chula Vista Fire Department recommends residents prepare by creating a family emergency kit that includes food and water to last three to seven days. The kit should also include medication and a first aid kit.
Chris Manroe with the Chula Vista Fire Department said it’s important to prepare your home properly by cleaning out and removing debris from gutters and drainage areas. He also suggested removing or covering securely all patio furniture.
Longtime Chula Vista resident Diane Carroll said it was nice to know the city is ahead of the curve in preparing for El Niño.
“Chula Vista is way ahead of San Diego,” she said. “I think they are being proactive with trying to replace the water pipes,” she said.
