When it rains, it pours: What to do in a deluge

  • If you are driving in the rain, follow these steps for your safety and the safety of others on the roadway.
  • Check your tire tread to ensure adequate tire tread depth.  The depth should exceed 1/16th of an inch to optimize traction on wet roadways. Don’t hesitate to replace tires now.
  • Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, and all lighting equipment are working properly. Test them at home with a partner to help.
  • Defrost and clean your windows prior to driving to ensure optimum visibility. While driving, use your windshield wipers and defroster. Review your driver manual now if defrosting is a new practice.
  • If you are driving to a new destination, confirm your route before you start to drive.
  • Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • California law requires the use of headlights during inclement weather, such as during periods of rain and dense fog.
  • Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
  • Increase your following distance behind other vehicles to allow for additional reaction time and the increased distance needed to safely stop in the rain.
  • Slow down. Remember that speed limits are set for ideal weather and roadway conditions, but are not necessarily safe in the rain.
  • Keep all distractions, such as cell phones, off and away from you.
  • Avoid sudden lane changes and signal your intentions well in advance, as visibility may be impaired in cars behind you.
  • Avoid driving between two trucks. Spray from truck tires can impair visibility, particularly at critical moments.
  • Exercise caution when driving in areas with increased pooling of water on the roadway to avoid hydroplaning.
  • Never drive into a flooded area. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of water.
  • Check your brakes by tapping them gently in a safe place, such as an empty parking lot.
  • And please know the limitations of you and your car when driving in bad weather.
  • If you and/or your family are on foot during a flood or high water, do not attempt to walk through the water. Go directly to higher ground. Just six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet.
  • Keep children and pets away from floodwater, storm drains, and sewers.
  • Be prepared to evacuate on short notice.
  • If you do need to evacuate your home, grab your disaster kit. Every family’s kit will be different, but you may consider including bottled water, canned food, pet food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, extra eye glasses, battery or solar-powered cell phone chargers, and medications for you, your loved ones, or pets.
  • If time permits, disconnect appliances and turn off all lights.
  • Lock all windows and doors to your home before leaving.
  • Develop a communication plan with your family in case landlines and cell phones are not working.  Alternate communication methods might include e-mail or social media, as the Internet may not be impacted in the same way as phones.
  • Have a family reunification plan. During emergencies, family members may be in different locations. Determine where your family will meet if your home is flooded or unavailable.
  • If you have elderly neighbors, check on them to see if they need any help.
  • If there are needed repairs to your home and you are working with contractors, please remember to check their credentials and references. Be mindful of those who may try to take advantage of you.
  • To receive emergency alerts, you can register your cell phone or landline with the City of Irvine’s iAlert system on our website at City of Irvine .org.
  • Emergency broadcasts can be found by tuning your radio to 1640 AM. Remember that the radio is your car may continue to work if the power goes out in your home.
  • The Irvine Police Department regularly posts information to social media, which may be helpful to you. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for regular updates.
  • And as always, please call 911 in an emergency.
  • The Irvine Police Department and City of Irvine hope these El Nino tips will help you and your family have a safe rainy season.