As San Diego braces for the impacts of a strong El Niño weather pattern this fall and winter, officials from the City of San Diego’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) are reaching out to residents who may be especially vulnerable, including seniors. Over the next two weeks, seniors are invited to attend one of three workshops hosted by OES at our Senior Centers to learn about preparedness and access resources available to them.

“As we continue to remind San Diegans to be prepared for El Niño, we ask residents to make sure our aging community is also prepared,” said Deputy Fire Chief Willy Melendez, who oversees the City’s Office of Emergency Services. “These workshops are tailored just for them, so we recommend seniors take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

During these preparedness events, senior citizens can learn the crucial steps they should take ahead of any disaster, including how to make a disaster preparedness plan, how to create a “go kit” with critical supplies like medications and documents, and how to sign up for emergency alerts.

Held in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department’s AgeWell Services, the information presented at these events will include information for home-bound seniors to access transportation during an emergency, and accessibility support for individuals with hearing or vision loss.

Over the next two weeks, AgeWell staff will also take requests for sandbag deliveries to senior residents, especially for those living in flood-prone areas. Deliveries are scheduled to begin on Nov. 14 and requests can be made by calling 619-525-8247.

Senior preparedness workshops will be held on the following dates at three local senior centers:

• Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m.

• Cathy Hopper Friendship Center, 4425 Bannock Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

• Contact: 619-235-1113

• Thursday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m.

• San Ysidro Senior Center, 125 East Park Ave. San Ysidro, CA 92173

• Contact: 619-247-4207

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 1:30 p.m.

• George L. Stevens Senior Center, 570 S. 65th Street, San Diego, CA 92114

• Contact: 619-266-2066

Forecasts indicate that a very strong El Niño weather pattern will increase storm intensity this fall and winter, creating more extreme and unpredictable conditions. Last month, San Diego had more than twice the normal amount of rain for the month of October.

In preparation for the storms, City crews are cleaning drains, inspecting and clearing storm channels, staging equipment, including temporary pumps, and monitoring weather conditions around the clock ahead of the storm. These actions help reduce the risk of flooding and keep neighborhoods safe during periods of heavy rainfall.

San Diegans are encouraged to determine if they live in a flood zone, to make a plan in case they need to evacuate quickly, and to create a “go kit” with necessary supplies for themselves and their loved ones. Tips and resources are available at sandiego.gov/ElNino. Signing up for emergency alerts is also critical to stay informed about weather events.

For more information on the workshops and resources for seniors, visit the AgeWell Services webpage or contact individual senior center facilities.