AS RAINS NEAR, THREAT OF LOCAL FLOODS STRESSED.Byline: Kevin F. Sherry Daily News Staff Writer While no one expects this winter to match last year's soggy output, as the skies darken dark·en v. dark·ened, dark·en·ing, dark·ens v.tr. 1. a. To make dark or darker. b. To give a darker hue to. 2. To fill with sadness; make gloomy. 3. and raindrops fall, the Ventura County Fire Department Not to be confused with Ventura Fire Department. The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) provides fire protection and emergency response services for the unincorporated areas of Ventura County, California, and for six other cities within the county. wants residents to be ready, just in case. Too often the first time people think about flooding is when the water enters their homes, said Joe Luna, spokesman for the department. ``There's a lot they can do in preparation for the rainy season,'' Luna said. First, people might want to have their roofs inspected now, before the leaks appear. Increased demand during the rainy season makes prices soar and repair workers scarce, Luna said. ``You'll be hard-pressed to have someone come out and do emergency repairs,'' he said. Residents also should remove all debris from rain gutters and roofs, and clear drains so water does not back up. ``The whole intent is to make sure water flows freely,'' Luna said. Residents need to monitor areas of traditional flooding and recent fires, he said. People can erect water or hillside diversions made of plywood, sand or dirt. ``All you do is direct the water away from your home and into a flood channel,'' Luna said. For personal safety, people should never cross a flooded road or other area that has flowing water, either on foot or in a vehicle. People have died locally trying to do that, Luna said. ``It doesn't take a whole lot of water to flood a vehicle,'' he said. Last year firefighters also risked their own lives to rescue youngsters who used the flood channel to bodyboard bod·y·board also bod·y-board n. A very short surfboard with one straight end, ridden usually by lying on one's chest. intr.v. bod·y·board·ed, bod·y·board·ing, bod·y·boards To surf on a bodyboard. , Luna said. ``That one ride they're taking might be their last one,'' he said. Area stores have stockpiled sand bags in preparation of area flooding. Most fire stations also have sandbags sandbags small sacks containing sand used to support an anesthetized animal in dorsal recumbency and prevent it from rolling sideways during anesthesia or surgery. , but only for emergencies, Luna said. SAND AND SANDBAGS The following is a partial list of Ventura County locations that are stocking sand, sandbags or both in preparation of the rainy season: Camarillo: United Building Materials Building materials used in the construction industry to create . These categories of materials and products are used by and construction project managers to specify the materials and methods used for . , 1212 Flynn Road. B&B Do-It Center, 689 Mobil Ave. Moorpark: Blue Star Ready Mix, 9035 Happy Camp Road. Santa Paula Santa Paula (săn`tə pôl`ə), city (1990 pop. 25,062), Ventura co., S Calif., on the Santa Clara River in a fertile valley that yields citrus fruits, avocados, vegetables, flowers, nursery products, and walnuts; laid out 1875, inc. : Fruit Growers Supplies, 111 N. Palm Ave. The Mill, 212 N. Mill Street. Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. : Home Base, 1357 E. Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. Ave. Simi Pacific Building Materials, 609 E. Los Angeles Ave. Thousand Oaks: Carlson's Building Materials, 1538 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Newbury Supply Co., 889 Mitchell Road Orchard Supply Hardware, 1934 Avenida De Los Arboles CAPTION(S): Box BOX: SAND AND SANDBAGS (See text) |
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