Keep scrolling for tips from Mercury Insurance on how to prepare for an El Niño winter.

Make sure doorways are sealed and don't have gaps, replace weather stripping if needed
Inspect windows for cracks and chips
Make sure the drainage system isn't clogged or backed up
Elevate or move your furnace, water heater and electrical panels to higher ground if necessary
Consider installing water leak detectors that send alerts to smart phones near entryways and in low lying areas as well as areas of your home that are high risk, such as laundry rooms or around water heaters
Install sump pumps in low lying areas of your home
Locate your breaker box and label the switches clearly
Seal cracks in walls with waterproof paints or sprays for added protection
Lock important documents and irreplaceable valuables in a waterproof, fire resistant box
Scan photos and documents and upload them to a secure cloud storage site

Evaluate roof for any weak spots
Identify leaks
Address loose shingles and inspect materials for wear and tear
Evaluate flashings, make sure there are no gaps
Look for spots with water damage on the ceiling and cracks in roof tile (indication of leaks)
Check for mold (mold can be an early identifier of problems to come)
Remember to clean the debris from gutters and consider installing gutter guards
Inspect the foundation of your home for cracks and leaks, including around pipes
Clear dead branches from trees on your property
Scale back or relocate trees that could cause damage to your home during a storm
If you live near a creek or river, create a sandbag wall ahead of time for added protection
Clear drains

Contact your agent to determine your coverage needs
Create an inventory list and keep it current, save receipts and take photos for documentation
Update your policy as needed (recommended yearly)
Familiarize yourself with what is and isn't covered
Check to see if your property is located in a flood plain
Consider purchasing flood insurance

Photo credit: Artic_photo/Shutterstock

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28 Ways homeowners can prepare for an El Niño winter