Ventura, CA, March 20, 2011: Due to large amounts of rain in the past 24 hours, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for parts of Ventura County. The County Office of Emergency Services is strongly encouraging people to not travel unless necessary, and people in low-lying areas should be prepared to take necessary actions to leave their home should rain levels increase to flood-level stages.

The American Red Cross would like to remind residents of the following preparedness tips:

If your area is under a Flood Watch or Warning:

Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

Items you should have gathered and ready:

Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

Food—at least a 3-day supply of non- perishable, easy-to-prepare food

Flashlight Ë Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

Extra batteries

First aid kit

Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)

Sanitation and personal hygiene items

Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)

Cell phone with chargers

Family and emergency contact information

Extra cash

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, more than half a million volunteers and 30,000 employees helped victims of 70,000 disasters nationwide; and taught lifesaving skills to millions. Locally, the American Red Cross, San Luis Obispo County Chapter provided services to more than 20,000 members of our community and distributed disaster preparedness and health and safety materials to thousands of school children, seniors and community members. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. For more information, please contact the American Red Cross, San Luis Obispo County Chapter at (805) 987-1514. You can now follow the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter on Twitter for up to date information: @RedCrossVentura.