BRACING FOR WRATH OF EL NINO; HOMEOWNERS TOLD TO PREPARE FOR THE WORST.

Byline: Jenifer Hanrahan Daily News Staff Writer

The weather predictions are ominous. Scientists say the global weather pattern known as El Nino - which 15 years ago brought severe storms in Southern California - is back.

But this El Nino could be worse than the winter of 1982. Already, water temperatures in the Pacific along the equator have risen as much as 5 degrees Celsius above normal, ahead of the warming recorded in 1982.

``This isn't your run-of-the-mill El Nino,'' said Nick Graham, a climate research scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla. ``What's so different about this El Nino is that it's so strong.''

While weather forecasters can't predict with certainty whether El Nino will bring major rain and flooding, they say homeowners should prepare for the worst.

``El Nino isn't something to panic about, but taking precautions is prudent,'' Graham said. ``It's like having a flashlight and water around in case of an earthquake. It probably won't be needed, but the chance that (heavier than usual rainfall) will happen is larger than it usually is.''

Patricia McNally, who moved to Thousand Oaks recently from a much soggier Maryland, doesn't quite understand all the El Ninoworry. But her pool-service man warned her that she should have her drains checked.

``He said we could get a torrential downpour for weeks,'' McNally said. ``I think maybe people are making more of it than there is, but I didn't want to take any chances.''

Longtime Malibu resident Grant Adamson had his gardener clean out his backyard drains and gutters at his home. He also ordered 14 tons of sand for the RV park his family owns.

``You never know for sure what's going to happen. Sometimes you can have a wet season where the rain is interspersed, other times you can have a very intense rain and you can have a lot of mud on your streets and around your home,'' Adamson said. ``So I just try to prepare. A little work now can save a lot of work later.''

Here are some ways to prepare for the rainy season:

Before the storm

Clean rain gutters: During heavy rains, gutters shunt water from the roof away from the house. Without gutters, rainwater can accumulate around the house and damage the foundation or cause mud to splatter and stain stucco walls.

Homeowners should remove any tennis balls, pine needles and other muck from rain gutters. Running water from a garden hose through the gutter will allow you to check if it is clear. Otherwise, you can call a gutter-cleaning and installation service.

Keep in mind that it might be difficult to find an available gutter service. Rod Smith, owner of A-1 Rain Gutters in Glendale, said he has been besieged by frantic homeowners.

``We are turning people away,'' Smith said. ``We have more calls than we can possibly get to.''

Clear the drains: To keep your backyard from becoming a swamp, make sure the drains that move rain water from your property to the storm gutters in the street are not clogged with grass clippings and other debris. Run water into the drains from a garden hose for about 15 minutes to check.

If the clogging is extensive, you can call a drain cleaning service.

Also, if you have a yard that has low-lying areas subject to puddling, consider buying a utility pump, said Richard McCombs, owner of Oaks Drain Service in Thousand Oaks.

Pumps run about $30 to $50 at home improvement centers and should transfer 1,300 gallons an hour.

Check the roof: Roofers report they also have been inundated by homeowners needing repairs. If your roof is missing shingles or is made of 20- to 25-year-old wood shake or composite, or if you have water stains on ceilings from years past, you most likely need to have the roof repaired or replaced.

Keep in mind that complaints against roofers are common, said Ken Willis, president of the League of California Homeowners, a nonprofit consumer group in Ontario.

To avoid roofing scams, Willis advises checking the company's record with the state licensing board; don't hire someone who comes to your door unsolicited; and when you do hire a roofer, write a dual-party check made out to the contractor and the company from which the roofer buys materials to avoid being sued by material companies for reimbursement if the roofers do not pay.

The League of California Homeowners can provide a referral of approved roofers in your area; call [phone]. If you're not sure you need a new roof, get an impartial opinion from a qualified inspector; the California Real Estate Inspection Association can refer you to one. The association's number is [phone].

If your finances don't permit a new roof, buy a heavy tarp that will cover the roof in case of rain. Home improvement stores also sell do-it-yourself roof-patching kits.

Check into flood insurance: Most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding, defined as rising water or mud flows. To determine if you're in a flood-prone area within the city of Los Angeles, call the city Public Works Department at [phone]. In unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, call the county Public Works Department at [phone]. For any other area or municipality, contact your local public works department or city hall.

You can purchase insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; call [phone] for information or an application, or contact your insurer.

Buy emergency supplies: ``Preparing for El Nino is like preparing for an earthquake,'' said Nancy Steiner, public information officer for the city of Malibu. ``What happens often with storms in Malibu is we're cut off from communication, we lose electricity, gas lines can be severed and the water supply can be cut off.''

The Governor's Office of Emergency Services' recommended preparations for El Nino are similar to those we've all heard before for earthquake preparations.

Equip your home, car and workplace with a first-aid kit; keep your home stocked with a three-day supply of water and canned or dried food; have a portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries available; keep your car's gas tank full; learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity; arrange a meeting place or out-of-town contact in case your family is separated or you have to evacuate; identify alternate routes between home and work or your child's school; know your child's school's procedure for sending students home during emergencies.

The only difference between earthquakes and floods is the sandbags. If you're in a flood-prone area, keep a supply of sandbags, wood, plastic sheets, lumber and other building materials to waterproof the house.

Malibu residents who are at risk from rising tides and from mud rushing down canyon roads can stock up on sandbags. Instructions on proper placement are available at Malibu City Hall. Another option is hiring a civil or structural engineer to show you how to divert the water most effectively.

During a storm

Move valuables up: If flooding is likely, move valuables to the upper floors of the house.

Don't take unnecessary trips: If you must go out, tell people where you are going and wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Avoid flash floods: Also, avoid crossing flowing streams if the water level is above your knees. Even water a shallow as 6 inches can sweep you off your feet. Avoid driving over flooded roads. If your car stalls, abandon it and seek higher ground immediately.

Shut off gas and electricity: If flooding is likely and you have to leave home, disconnect all electrical appliances, turn off the electricity and gas at the main shut-offs.

After the storm

Beware of flood-damaged food: Avoid food, even canned, that has come into contact with floodwater.

Stay informed: Listen to television and radio for instructions and updates.

Watch for downed utility lines: Report damage to utility lines to the fire department, utility company or police.

No flames: When you return home, use a flashlight rather than lanterns, matches or candles.

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

Photo: (1--Cover--Color) BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

Clean the gutters, pile up the sandbags - El Nino is upon us

(2) Richard McCombs, owner of Oaks Drain Service in Thousand Oaks, suggests that homeowners with yards with low-lying areas subject to puddling buy a utility pump in preparation for El Nino's arrival.

John McCoy/Daily News