COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CA—How El Nino will affect commercial real estate has been a big question in Southern California as of late. Earlier this month, we chatted with one brokerage firm about how it would affect nearby San Diego, where our source stated that although current warm water, warm weather and great fishing conditions may seem like the endless summer, it does hold negative implications for commercial property. But many local counties, such as the County of San Bernardino, CA, for one, are being proactive.

Clearing flood control channels, stockpiling sandbags and holding public outreach meetings in flood-prone areas are just a few things County departments are doing to prepare for El Niño storms this fall and winter.

The Board of Supervisors of the County heard a special presentation earlier this month from County staff about what is being done throughout the county to prepare for El Niño. "The County is doing everything possible to be prepared for heavy rains," said Board of Supervisors Chairman James Ramos. "Protecting the public is our highest priority. But we are urging the public to do everything they can to protect themselves, their families and their homes. Surviving El Niño will be a team effort."

The County Office of Emergency Services is working in conjunction with the Department of Public Works, the Sheriff's Department, County Fire, and Special Districts—along with local, regional and state partners—to make sure all safety issues throughout the county are being addressed.

Risks of flooding and mudslides are higher in areas that have recently experienced wildfires. Flood control channels and culvert crossings are being cleared in anticipation of heavy rains and advance teams are advising homeless encampments to relocate. More than 200,000 sandbags are being stockpiled and inmate hand crews have been trained in sandbagging, flood fight techniques and debris removal. Additional weather stations were added throughout the county and the real-time rain gauge alert system is being updated. Sheriff's deputies and County firefighters are practicing procedures for swift water rescue training.

For buildings, one source we recently spoke with says that "Commercial-building owners should conduct building inspections before the possibilities of heavy rain. The roof is any commercial building's first line of defense."

And precautions can make a real difference. Our source noted that "Inexpensive inspection and light preventive maintenance can be the difference between avoiding a problem and having to file an insurance claim to repair property damage. We also recommend that property owners contact their insurance agents to understand exactly what their insurance policies cover to make sure they have suitable coverage in the event of an incident."