Ask Jerry: How does the Village prepare for the Rainy Season?

In an effort to prepare Laguna Woods Village for the upcoming and future rain seasons, procedures and safety policies have been compiled that identify tasks and responsibilities for the Security, Landscape, and Maintenance divisions during a rain event. Those tasks and responsibilities have been thoroughly documented in the Laguna Woods Village Rain Event Action Plan.

All four of the Village corporations – GRF, United, Third and Mutual 50 – have adopted the Laguna Woods Village Rain Event Action Plan. The plan outlines standard preparations for the rainy season; event planning for periods of little, heavy and severe rain; and post rain-event cleanup procedures.

Flooding can occur in the Village during periods of heavy rainfall and can occur in both natural and developed watersheds. When the rate of rainfall exceeds the rate of infiltration to the ground, the excess water, called runoff, moves across the ground surface toward the lowest section of the watershed and can pond, causing flooding.

Call Property Services 949-597-4600 to report flooding, a leak, other rain-related damage or request emergency sand bags.

Here are some tips from the American Red Cross and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on staying safe during a flood:

·         Always follow the advice of local authorities.

·         Listen to area radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). You can also check www.lagunawoodsvillage.com for frequently updated information during a rain event.

·         If the NWS warns of flooding, be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. For tips on being prepared for a flood or other disaster, check out the Laguna Woods Village Disaster Preparedness Task Force’s website.

·         Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

·         If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

·         Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

·         Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.