Time to prepare for return of rain

Rainy season has arrived, and rain in large quantities is capable of producing flooding and mudslides. Due to the drought and recent wildfires, debris is expected to be washed into normal runoff areas, which could result in localized flooding.

Property owners can protect their homes and businesses by taking a few simple precautions before the rain comes:

•Clear debris from rain gutters

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

•Clear and place sandbags in problem areas if the area has been affected by a wildfire or if there have been flooding problems in the past.

If flooding occurs:

•Use extreme caution when crossing roads or areas of flowing water. It is very difficult to determine the depth of flowing water, and it may be dangerously deep.

•Do not use storm or runoff channels for recreation. They are deceptively dangerous, and rescue is extremely difficult since these channels are designed to move vast quantities of water very quickly.

"We're advising people to prepare now," said Capt. Barry Parker of the Ventura County Fire Protection District. "Many of our fire stations have sandbags, but they are only for emergency, and, by that time, it may be too late to protect your property. We suggest people go to one of the many retailers who sell sand and sandbags and take steps to protect their property prior to a potentially destructive rainfall."

For more information, visit www.fire.countyofventura.org.