Prepare Early. Stay Ready. Stay Safe.
What El Niño Could Mean for Burbank
The City of Burbank is preparing for an El Niño season that may bring wetter-than-average conditions and an increased potential for periods of heavy rain. While El Niño does not mean that every storm will be severe, wet conditions can create additional challenges, particularly in foothill and canyon areas where steep slopes, drainage, runoff, and debris can increase the potential for localized flooding, mudflows, and other hazards. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) currently reports that El Niño is strengthening and is expected to continue through the fall and winter of 2026–27.
The best time to prepare is before the storm arrives. Residents are encouraged to take a few simple steps now to protect their homes, families, and property. Use the tips below to get started.
11 STEPS TO PREPARE FOR RAIN
1. SIGN UP FOR ALERT BURBANK
Receive emergency information and instructions from the City by text, email, or phone. Make sure your contact information and address are current so you can receive alerts that may affect you.
Sign up: www.burbankca.gov/alertburbank
2. HAVE A PLAN
Develop a quick action plan for you and your family before an emergency occurs. Know how you will communicate, where you will go if you need to leave, and how you will reconnect if family members become separated.
Consider the needs of children, older adults, people with disabilities, pets, and anyone who may need additional assistance.
3. BUILD AN EMERGENCY KIT
Keep disaster supplies readily available and plan for a minimum of 7 days. Include water, nonperishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, phone chargers, important documents, cash, sanitation supplies, and other items your household may need.
Store your supplies where they are easy to access and check them regularly.
4. CLEAR GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Clear leaves, sediment, and debris from gutters and downspouts before a storm arrives, and check them again between storms. Make sure downspouts are directing water away from your home and toward appropriate drainage areas.
- Clear other drains on your property, when applicable, of leaf litter, sediment, and debris to help prevent water from backing up or collecting at ground level.
- Do not place debris where it can wash into streets, storm drains, or drainage channels.
5. INSPECT YOUR HOME BEFORE THE RAIN
Walk around your property and look for conditions that could allow rainwater to enter or collect around your home. Check the roof, flashing, windows, doors, exterior walls, drainage paths, retaining walls, and other areas where water could enter or accumulate.
Address leaks, damaged roofing, blocked drainage, or other problems before the next storm whenever possible.
6. INSPECT TREES AND HAZARDOUS LIMBS
Strong winds and saturated soil can increase the risk of falling trees and branches. Look for trees that appear dead, diseased, overgrown, unstable, or to have hazardous limbs, particularly trees that may threaten your home or neighboring property.
If you have concerns, have the tree inspected by a qualified arborist and take appropriate corrective measures before storm season.
7. KNOW YOUR FLOOD AND MUDFLOW RISK
If you live near a hillside, canyon, steep slope, or recent burn area, learn how rainfall and runoff could affect your property. Areas with steep or recently disturbed slopes can be particularly vulnerable to runoff, erosion, debris, and mudflows.
Review the Los Angeles County Public Works Homeowner's Guide for Flood, Debris, and Erosion Control for practical information on protecting your property:
https://ladpw.org/landing/em/docs/HOMEOWNERSGUIDE.pdf
8. STOCK UP ON SANDBAGS EARLY
If your property is prone to flooding or pooling water—or you believe it could be during a heavy storm—get sandbags before severe weather arrives. Do not wait until a storm is approaching, when supplies may be limited.
Learn more about sandbags and where they are available:
www.burbankca.gov/web/public-works/flood-control
9. CONSIDER FLOOD INSURANCE
Standard homeowners' insurance generally does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy, and coverage typically does not take effect immediately; there is normally a 30-day waiting period for a new policy, with limited exceptions.
If you live in an area with a higher flood, runoff, or debris-flow risk, consider speaking with your insurance agent well before a storm to understand your coverage and options.
10. PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE AND PLAN ALTERNATE ROUTES
Heavy rain can reduce visibility, create standing water, and cause sudden flooding or debris on roadways. Keep your vehicle fueled, make sure tires and windshield wipers are in good condition, and know alternate routes to work, school, or home.
Before traveling during a storm, check weather and road conditions and allow additional time. Never drive around road closures, barricades, or other traffic controls.
11. STAY CONNECTED AND CHECK ON OTHERS
During periods of severe weather, check on neighbors who may need additional assistance, particularly older adults, people with disabilities, and others who may have difficulty preparing for or responding to an emergency.
Make sure family, friends, and neighbors know how to contact one another and where to get reliable emergency information.
WHEN THE STORM ARRIVES: STAY ALERT
When storms hit, stay informed and be prepared to act quickly. Monitor emergency alerts, weather information, and instructions from local officials. Watch for rapidly rising water, mud, debris, and changes in drainage around your property.
If you observe rising water or moving mud and debris, move to higher ground and away from the hazard. Stay clear of flooded areas, drainage channels, and downed power lines. Never approach or touch a downed power line, even if you believe it is not energized.
NEVER DRIVE OR WALK THROUGH FLOODWATER.
Floodwater can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears, and the condition of the roadway underneath may be unknown. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, while approximately 12 inches can move or carry away a small car. Turn around and use an alternate route.
When flooded, Turn Around. Don't Drown.
LOOK OUT FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE NEIGHBORS
Severe weather can create additional challenges for people who may have fewer resources, limited mobility, or difficulty accessing information and transportation.
PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
People experiencing homelessness can be particularly vulnerable during severe rain, flooding, high winds, cold temperatures, and other extreme weather. Los Angeles County coordinates outreach efforts to help connect people experiencing homelessness with services and safer options during emergencies and severe weather.
Know someone who needs help? Call 2-1-1.
OLDER ADULTS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Older adults and people with disabilities may need additional time, assistance, transportation, medications, or other resources to prepare for and respond to severe weather. Los Angeles County's Aging & Disabilities Department provides information, assistance, and referrals to help older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers connect with available services.
Plan ahead, stay connected, and check on neighbors, family, and friends who may need additional support.
PREPARE NOW. DON'T WAIT FOR THE STORM.
El Niño Preparedness Guide (PDF version of the above information)
