It’s time to prepare for rainy season

The Ventura County Fire Protection District encourages residents to prepare for this year’s rainy season.

•Remove debris from rain gutters on roof.

•Be sure that all drains in yards, driveways and pool decks are cleaned and clear of debris that could clog and back up into homes.

•If flooding has been a problem in the past at your home or you live in a fire-affected area, prepare now by cleaning problem areas and sandbagging.

•Do not cross roads or other areas of flowing water. The depth of the water is difficult to judge and might be dangerously deep.

•Do not use storm or runoff channels for recreation. These are deceptively dangerous and have led to deaths.

Fire stations maintain an emergency supply of sand and sandbags at strategic fire stations countywide and will be distributed to the general public only when the area is actually experiencing heavy rains and/or flooding. However, property owners in the fire impact areas of Santa Clarita Valley, Simi Valley and Moorpark may obtain sand and sandbags as a preemptive measure. For fire department assistance during emergency flood conditions, call 911.

For additional information and flood control tips and guidelines, see www.countyofventura.org, click on Departments, then click on Public Works/Watershed Protection District. Also see National Resources Conservation Service at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov.