CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS - EL NIÑO

The following "El Niño Survival Guide" is a comprehensive list of recommendations prepared with the help of a construction specialist to assist homeowners with any questions and prepare for an El Niño event:

What Is El Niño?

El Niños occur approximately every two to seven years. It is a disruption of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific causing trade winds to reverse. This reversal creates a rise in ocean temperatures in the Eastern Pacific and results in unusual weather patterns worldwide, including floods and droughts.

Signs of El Niño:

High Winds  
Heavy Rains  
Flooding  
Power Outages  
Road Closures  
High Surf

Preparing Your Home For El Niño:

Roof inspection by a licensed roofing contractor
Clean gutters and downspouts
Clean debris from roofs
Seal pipe penetrations in the roof
Seal openings in stucco or wood trim on doors and windows
Check storm drains on your street and report any blockage to public-works department
Move valuables up to the second story of your home
Have rotted trees or broken branches removed from yard
Prepare sandbags

Items To Have On Hand During Storms:

Ladder for roof access
Tarps (12x12') blue vinyl
Rope: to secure tarps
Henry's Roof Patch
Buckets
Sandbags
Flashlight/candles
Bottled water
Food
Storage Facilities for materials, including sand for sandbags

Are You Insured?

It is important to note that your homeowners insurance generally does NOT cover flood damage. The federal government's National Flood Insurance Program does sell flood insurance as do most major insurance companies. Costs will vary depending on the flood risk in your area.

VALUABLE TIP: There is a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in.

When Your Home Is In a Builder Defect Lawsuit:

Photo/video all damage inside unit/home
Photo/video all active leaks as they occur
Contact HOA property manager to repair reported leaks
DO NOT attempt permanent repairs as this would spoil evidence
Protect personal property
Notify defendants if court order requires any repairs

EL Niño Online Resources

National Weather Service http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/toga-tao/el-nino  