On Tuesday, October 6, the Board of Supervisors heard a report on the County’s inter-agency efforts to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño storm season. Staff from the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Fire Department, Public Works Agency and the County’s Public Information Office shared updates on work already underway to help ensure the community is storm ready ahead of a potentially wetter winter.


Pre-season efforts are focused on reducing risk and ensuring the County is ready to respond quickly if significant storms impact local communities. Preparations include inspecting and maintaining flood-control infrastructure, clearing drainage systems and debris basins, preparing swift water rescue resources, and coordinating emergency response plans for areas at higher risk of flooding and debris flows. The County’s Public Works Agency has already removed more than 235,000 cubic yards of material from detention basins and waterways in preparation for the winter storm season.


“Preparedness is our strongest defense against severe weather,” stated Jeff Gorell, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “I commend our County Executive Officer and county leaders for standing up the El Niño Task Force months in advance and taking proactive steps to prepare our communities. We’re asking residents to do the same – know your risks, protect your property, and have an emergency plan in place. A little preparation now can make a significant difference when storms arrive.”


Special attention is also being given to recent wildfire burn areas and locations susceptible to flooding and debris flows. County agencies are coordinating monitoring needs, operational triggers, evacuation planning, and public warning protocols so actions can be taken quickly as conditions change.


Preparations extend as well to coastal and agricultural areas. The County’s Harbor Department is monitoring vulnerable beaches, evaluating protective measures for areas at risk from high tides and storms, and preparing for winter dredging operations beginning in November. The Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures is sharing flood preparedness resources with growers and ranchers and partnering with the Ventura County Farm Bureau to host a Disaster Preparedness Workshop for Farms on November 18.


Preparing for winter storms is a shared responsibility. While County agencies are preparing public infrastructure and emergency response resources, residents and property owners also play an important role in reducing risk before storms arrive.

Prepare your property:

  • Clear privately owned drainage paths, ditches and culverts, and clean roofs and gutters. For properties along rivers and creeks (red line channels), consider flood protection measures and apply for a no-fee permit if you choose to build protections along or within a river or creek.
  • Address erosion-prone slopes and areas on private property.
  • If your property is prone to flooding, sandbags are available at 24 Ventura County Fire Department stations throughout the county.
  • Review your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate protection to help repair or rebuild your home following flood damage. Learn more about flood insurance at FloodSmart.gov.

Stay informed and ready:

  • Sign up for VC Alert at ready.venturacounty.gov to receive emergency notifications, including evacuation warnings and orders.
  • Bookmark VCEmergency at vcemergency.com for official information during an emergency.
  • Visit ReadyVenturaCounty at ready.venturacounty.gov for practical information on preparing for winter storms and other hazards.
  • Prepare a family emergency plan, stock essential supplies such as food, water, medications and flashlights, and have a Go Kit ready in case of evacuation.
  • Monitor rainfall and local conditions through the County’s Flood Warning system during winter storms.

As storms approach, County agencies will transition from preparedness to active response. The Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services will coordinate with the Public Works Agency, the National Weather Service, local partners and jurisdictions to monitor forecasts and changing conditions. Depending on storm impacts, response efforts may include issuing evacuation warnings and orders, deploying rescue and public safety resources, clearing or closing impacted roads, and activating the County’s Emergency Operations Center as needed.


“As the County’s emergency management agency, our priority is to keep residents informed as potentially dangerous winter weather conditions develop,” stated Patrick Maynard, Director for the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. “However, hazardous conditions can change rapidly, and we need everyone to remain alert and aware of what is happening around them. If conditions become unsafe and you can safely leave, evacuate immediately. Do not wait for an official warning or evacuation order if you believe you are in danger. Your safety should always come first.”


The best time to prepare for winter storms is before the rain begins. Residents are encouraged to use the current dry weather to clear drainage areas, address erosion concerns, build sandbags if needed, prepare emergency kits and make sure their households are equipped with supplies should they need to stay in their homes for several days or that they have “go bags” ready if they receive evacuation orders.


For winter storm preparedness information and resources, visit ReadyVenturaCounty at: ready.venturacounty.gov.