Be prepare for mudslides

The danger from a wildfire doesn't end when the fire is extinguished, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

When grass and brush is burned away, nothing remains rooted on the hillsides to retain water and, when rain falls, the risk of flooding and mudslides increases.

"The time to prepare is now," said Fire Capt. Barry Parker. "Just as we advised people to prepare in advance for wildfires, we're asking people to prepare for the rains. A little preparation now can be a big help when the rain comes, whether you live in a firedamaged area or not."

Property owners can help 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 dangerous and can be deadly; rescues are difficult since these channels are designed to move vast quantities of water very quickly.

"We're advising people to prepare now," said Parker. "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 a list of county retailers who sell sand and sandbags, visit fire.countyofventura.org.