Homeowners can prepare for rain and floods

Although there has not been any significant rain yet, wildland fires this past fire season present a significant hazard for flooding this winter. Now is the time for residents to prepare for potential rain and flood hazards whether or not they live in a fire-damaged area.

Property owners have primary responsibility to take steps to minimize rain and flood damage.

Owners can protect their property by following these steps:

•Clean home gutters of debris.

•Clear and clean all drains in yards, driveways and pool decks that could clog and cause backups into home.

•Clear and sandbag problem areas if residing in an area previously affected by fire or have experienced flooding on an annual basis.

•Use caution when crossing roads or areas of flowing water. It’s difficult to determine the depth of flowing water, which may be dangerously deep.

•Do not use storm or runoff channels for recreation. They are deceptively dangerous, and lives have been lost.

•Residents should stay aware of surroundings by monitoring advisory updates on television and radio.

•Selected fire stations will have emergency supplies of sand and sandbags available for public use only when heavy rains or flooding is occurring. These resources are not for use in anticipation of rain or flooding problems or based on weather forecasts.

Sandbags are available at these Simi Valley locations:

•Station No. 41, 1910 Church St. •Station No. 43, 1262 Cypress St.

•Station No. 44, 1050 Country Club Drive •Station No. 45, 790 Pacific Ave.

•Station No. 46, 3265 N. Tapo St. For more information, go to www.fire.countyofventura.org.