El Niño Storm Prep Checklist for Malibu Homeowners

Published: May 20, 2026 | By: Malibu Coastal Restoration

Winter Storm Preparation Checklist

Pacific winter storms bring compound damage to Malibu coastal and canyon communities. Preventative maintenance is the most effective way to protect your valuable assets from structural damage.

Preventative Actions to Take

• Clear All Gutters and Roof Drains. Saturated leaves and debris will block roof scuppers, sending torrential rain leaking directly into attic cavities.
• Inspect Sea Walls & Foundation Pier Brackets. Beachfront homeowners should check sea wall joints and structural pier anchors for corrosion or sand gapping.
• Install Geotextile Sandbags. Place sandbags along high-velocity surface runoff channels to deflect mudflows away from garage doors.
• Check Sump Pumps. Ensure backup generator batteries are active and sump pumps function correctly before winter rains hit.

Our 24/7 Emergency Storm Dispatch

If a storm breaches your property, our storm response teams are equipped with heavy hydraulic shoring jacks, roof tarps, and compact extraction wands. We serve the Malibu area, so we aim to reach you as fast as we can, 24/7, working around storm traffic road closures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sandbags do I need to protect a PCH property?

There is no fixed number, but a standard two-car garage driveway often calls for a staggered double row of sandbags, typically in the range of 30 to 50, to help deflect canyon mudflows. Your slope and drainage will change the right amount.

What should I do if my stilt pier shows structural wear?

Call a coastal structural engineer right away, and reach our team at {{phone}} for temporary heavy-duty hydraulic stabilization while you arrange the engineer’s inspection.