If the forecasts are right, it's going to be a bumpy weather. Record rains are predicted - great(ish) for Californians who've been suffering under drought conditions, except for that pesky potential for floods. In other areas, below-normal temperature and above-normal snow and ice are the fears.

"If El Nino rainfall predictions are correct, this fall and winter could be the answer to drought-relief prayers. As with everything in life, however, be careful what you wish for," said the L.A. Times. "While there is a chance precipitation will be only moderate, there is also the possibility of powerful, drenching rainstorms that can quickly create trouble on many fronts. It's time to get your head in the game."

So how do you prepare for what's coming, especially if four years of no rain and water restrictions have left you with short memories when it comes to storm preparedness? Read on.

1. Check for roof leaks

We say this every year, but it's especially important now. A leaky roof during any type of rain or snow is a problem. During a deluge, you could really be in trouble.

"At least scan it closely with binoculars," said Kiplinger. "Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles that may leak during winter's storms or from melting snow. If your roof is flat and surfaced with asphalt and pebbles, as many are in the Southwest, rake or blow off fall leaves and pine needles, which hold moisture, says Bill Richardson, past president of the American Society of Home Inspectors, in Albuquerque."

The Connors Agency

In areas where heavy rain is expected, extra precautions may need to be taken. "An inch of rain adds up to 600 gallons per 1,000 square feet of roof," said the Sacramento Bee. "Install removable downspout adapters and flexible drain coils to the gutter system's downspouts to guide water away from the foundation."

2. Seal up air leaks in other parts of the home

It's a great way to keep the cold out and lower your electric bills at the same time. Use silicone caulk for exteriors "because it won't shrink and it's impervious to the elements," said Kiplinger. "Check window-glazing putty, too (which seals glass into the window frame). Add weatherstripping as needed around doors, making sure you cannot see any daylight from inside your home."

3. Order a home energy audit

If you really want to see where tightening up your home can save you money, this will do it. "If you've been putting off a home energy audit, here's the time to do it," said Boston.com. "A lot of what they're going to be telling you is applicable to this time of year, to protect you against a cold winter. And what's nice about doing it now is they use an infrared gun to detect heat leakage, and it's a lot easier getting a good reading when it's cooler outside."

4. Check your gutters

"Gutters are your roof's first line of storm defense," said the Sacramento Bee. "They're designed to channel rain off the roof."

5. Test your heater

It never fails that the first time you turn on your heater, it fails to work. And on the coldest day of the year so far! You don't want to be faced with a non-functioning heat source when it's literally freezing outside.

"For about $80 to $100, a technician will inspect your furnace or heat pump to be sure the system is clean and in good repair, and that it can achieve its manufacturer-rated efficiency. The inspection also measures carbon-monoxide leakage," said Kiplinger. "If you act soon, you'll minimize the chance of being 200th in line for repairs on the coldest day of the year."

6. Reevaluate your insurance

You might want to consider flood insurance if you're in an area that is predicted to have extensive rains this winter. It's also a good time to review your policy to see what winter-related damage is covered and consider a change if it doesn't seem sufficient.

7. Invest in a generator

"If you are in a neighborhood susceptible to power outages, consider buying a portable generator or even a permanent standby generator that immediately kicks in if the power goes out," said the L.A. Times.

8. Check the perimeter of your home

Look for areas where water and snow could pool, threatening to get inside the home. If you're not able to make the necessary fixes at this point, sandbags will help. "Sandbags are a fast way to redirect water. Each layer of sandbags represents 3 to 4 inches of added flood protection," said the Saramento Bee.

In your yard, "Landscape architect and USC adjunct professor Bob Perry advises placing 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch in beds and areas where water will drain or collect," said the L.A. Times.

9. Shut off sprinklers

With a deluge of rain, they may not be needed at all for several months. And in areas that freeze, forgetting to turn them off could result in a frozen tundra on your lawn.

10. Test your fireplace

Not only can a poorly functioning fireplace be a bummer if you were planning to snuggle up in front of a roaring flame, it can also be dangerous.

Richland Renovating

11. Prevent frozen pipes

"The possibility of frozen pipes comes with the freezing temperatures," said KULR. "The best way to keep a pipe from freezing in the first place is to leave the water running. If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time this winter, you can shut the water off to help prevent it."

12. Keep cash on hand

If you have roof leak, your car gets stuck on an icy road or you experience some other weather-related emergency, you might need to have money on hand. And credit card machines may not be working. If it's been awhile since you regularly carried cash, hit the ATM so you're prepared for anything.

13. Charge it!

If the power goes out, you'll be happy if cell phones, tablets, laptops, and portable video games are fully charged. Get into the habit of charging them fully whenever possible. Having a couple of extra chargers on hand wouldn't hurt either.

14. Buy winter supplies

"You don't want to wait until the first storm of the year to buy your snow removal gear and salt," said Apartment Therapy. "You'll be prepared when the initial flakes come down, and you won't have to vie for the last shovel on the shelf at the hardware store."

Beyond a snowplow and a large umbrella, you'll also want plastic sheeting or tarps in case of roof leaks, and plastic buckets as a just-in-case measure.

15. Shore up your emergency supplies

Would you be prepared if you got stuck in the house for a few days? What if there was no power?

Be sure to get your emergency kits are in order - bottled water, non-perishable foods, batteries, a flashlight and/or glow sticks, a weather radio, necessary medications and first aid supplies, and food for your animals.

Having extra ice on hand and coolers can help keep food cold in the event refrigerators aren't functioning. Think about food your family can eat that won't require preparation. Here's what Real Simple recommends keeping in your pantry:

• Peanut butter
• Whole-wheat crackers
• Nuts and trail mixes
• Multigrain cereal - individually packaged versions are best so they'll stay fresh
• Granola bars and power bars
• Dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins
• Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey - make sure to stock a can opener that isn't electric or buy the pop-top cans
• Canned vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and peas
• Canned soups and chili
• Bottled water - "Try to stock at least a three-day supply. You need at least one gallon per person per day."
• Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade
• Powdered milk
• Multivitamins