Let's Talk About the Weather
By Andrea Peck
After last week's impromptu rain shower I thought that I would address the issue of excessive rain.
Some may find that hilarious. I mean, one downpour and we're running around with silly grins on our faces or getting hit by lightning. It's California, Land of the Perfect Weather, what is there to even talk about?
Look at us. Just as we started to figure out the details of utilizing our greywater we are besieged by record breaking, monsoon-like rain. The most shocking thing, besides the amount of rainfall, was the temperature. I checked my own thermometer and it was 82°F inside my house. Should I be outside sweeping in my bathing suit? Yes. By all means. Did I mention it was midnight?
But, I need to clarify that this was the second night of the two-day siege. The first night was a horse of a different color. It all started with a thunderous clap at around 1:30 a.m. The sound, a booming explosive crash led my mind to one thought-- clearly we have been invaded and the house is falling apart. I leapt from the bed and ran to the room of all things disruptive—the living room. My legs traveled with a quickness that I can only say was half-flying. The dogs, who were second on the scene, looked at me somewhat quizzically. Their fur covered noggins were either amazed at my superior speed or embarrassed by me. They are laid-back California dogs after all.
Quickly realizing the source of the fracas –thunder and lightning-- I headed back to bed. Not long thereafter, a drizzling rain started. This turned into a moderate fall and then I realized I had better get up again and check our drains. Our home is located in a particularly low spot that in 1964, when the home was built, probably caused little problems for the owners. However, as time wound on, further development created runoff that leads through many streets and passes along the sides of my home. The owners at one time had to create sizeable drainage that cuts along the length of the property. “The drains” as we call them are four feet wide and about 8 inches deep. In a heavy storm they fill to capacity and run like a little river. It is a pretty exciting exhibition. Problems can easily arise if objects interfere with this flow.
I should have known better. Call me complacent but we have become accustomed to this drought. My drains have become storage for the detritus that explodes from the confines of my home. Well, punishment comes in the wee hours of the morning when lightening threatens your life and water threatens your home. Nevertheless, I am happy that this onslaught besieged us. Now, we have no excuse. The forecast this winter is an El Nino which brings a lot of rain and warmer temperatures. I have seen the temperatures. I have seen the rain. Now I am a believer. Time to get ready.
A few things to think about:
- Start at your roof. Make sure the roof is in good condition. If we do receive wet weather this year it will not be fun trying to patch the roof in the rain. Move to your rain gutters. I'm sad to say this is something that we have neglected in our home. What a shame! This year I vow to have existing gutters cleaned and inspected. I would love to get rain barrels all around. Don't forget downspouts. There are great extension pieces that you can connect to the end of your downspout and direct the water to plants or lawn. Divert runoff from concrete, roads and your front door. My lovely neighbors had a problem with their garage flooding until some smartie found a leak in the roof gutter directly over the garage. Problem fixed! So easy.
- Clear brush and prune large plants and trees. Excessive amounts of water can weaken the root of susceptible trees and bushes causing them to fall over. If you live in an area like I do where water moves from one place to another it may behoove you to keep those areas clean and free from excess leaves, twigs and skateboards in order to prevent a buildup of water
- For those who live in soggy spots it is a good idea to have sandbags ready. Make sure that they are accessible and that you can lift them quickly and easily without injuring yourself. One year my husband filled the bags and I could barely lift the things. After that I swore that I would fill the bags myself. A lighter bag is better than a bag you cannot lift. Also, sandbag material (the plastic bags) tends to degrade very quickly so make sure you won't be lifting a bag that is ready to fall apart. If you have one area that consistently floods, consider purchasing a little submersible pump.
- In case of emergency, have car keys, belongings, and medication handy. Make a plan with family members. If you have pets, add food, water and bedding, including pet crates, to your list. But, please don't risk your life—while discussing the threat of fire and creating a plan with my two kids, my son insisted that he would rescue the gecko. And the gecko's food. It took quite a bit of convincing to dissuade him from this plan of action. Keep important papers handy. We have our important papers in a portable file box. Of course, knowing myself as I do, I will forget that box. Nevertheless, it is there and ready to go.
- Friends. Figure out who they are. I would put this at the top of the list because in my recent experiences I discovered quite by chance how important reliable social connections are. Know your neighbors, particularly the ones who are home, able-bodied and helpful. They may just save your life one day.
- Finally, do not underestimate the power of water. It does not take much water (two feet or less) to move your car. Remember water and electricity do not mix. Never go out in a lightning storm. According to our local expert John Lindsey, many are killed and injured each year due to lightning strikes. It is not the stuff of myths. In fact, if you haven't heard, a white truck was struck by lightning in the last storm here on the Central Coast.
Note: I realized I have not included instructions on caring for your poinsettia! Here are the recommendations for June and July:
During June you should have moved the pot outside in a shaded area and continue with water and fertilizer. (You can use a water soluble fertilizer).
During July, pinch an inch from each stem. Continue care as in June.
If you have not changed pots you still have time to do so. Use a soilless mix and a pot that is 4 inches larger in diameter than the existing pot.
For the full post with details go to this link: //ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=16505