Remember 1997’s El Niño? Its conditions could be repeated this season; get prepared!

If you’ve lived in California for a while, you may remember a particularly rainy winter in 1997. For some people, memories of that season go well beyond just precipitation. Record breaking rainfall, large waves and mudslides wreaked major havoc costing California home owners millions in repairs.

Now, climate models and natural phenomena hint that a similar El Niño could be heading our way again this season. Are you ready? Use these tips for preparing your home and family for El Niño 2015.

Shore Up Your House. Heavy rainfall won’t pose too much danger to homes situated away from the coast, provided they’re properly maintained. Have your roof inspected, get out your caulking gun and patch up the seals of your home, install weather stripping and replace doors or windows as needed so your home can withstand the coming moisture.

Bolster Your Insurance Coverage. Did you know most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t offer coverage for flooding? You need a separate flood insurance policy—which will require 30 days to take effect—to protect your family against the financial burden a flood could cause.

Strengthen Your Evacuation Plans. Have an emergency kit ready with first aid supplies, food, water, flashlights, and other necessities so you can grab it and go should your area be evacuated. Also, map at least two routes out of town in case flooding blocks one.

Do you need to update your doors or windows before El Niño hits? Simply click the Match Me With A Dealer button to get started! With our innovatively designed products made of top quality materials, AG Millworks can help transform and safeguard your home with custom Entry Doors, Lift and Slide, Multi-Slide, Bi-Fold Patio Doors and Windows that allow you to fully enjoy luxurious indoor outdoor living.