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Storm Safety Advisory from Ventura County Sheriff's Dept
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, December 21st, 2010
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department The County of Ventura continues to get battered by recent storm activity. As these storms move through our area, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation-Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind all residents of the dangers that accompany this type of weather. As the local mountains and hillsides reach their saturation points, the chances for flash floods, mudslides, and large amounts of storm run-off in the local drainage channels increases dramatically. Last winter’s storm activity and the related calls for service can serve as a reminder: • During last winter’s storms, hikers in the Ventura County back country ventured into the wilderness knowing of the approaching storm systems. These individuals were subsequently overcome by a flash flood and mudslide, and had to be evacuated by a Sheriff’s helicopter and rescue crew. • Also, two young children entered a drainage channel in the Thousand Oaks area. Both children subsequently ended up in the fast moving and potentially deadly water. Luckily, one child was able to pull both herself and her brother out of danger. • And finally, a man in the Thousand Oaks area entered Wildwood Park during the heavy rains. While trying to cross a swollen creek he was washed down stream and perished. The Ventura County back country is a beautiful place. However, during heavy storms the creeks rise quickly and without warning. Mud and rockslides occur frequently during these heavy rain events. Please refrain from entering the backcountry until after the storms have long passed, and always notify a friend or loved one of your plans and location when entering the wilderness. Please do not attempt to cross moving water - either on foot or in vehicles. Normally shallow water crossings become very hazardous during heavy rains as the water flows increase suddenly and without warning. The increased water flows in the local drainage channels can be very attractive and luring to kids and young adults. A simple slip and fall into this fast moving water often proves to be fatal, even to the best of swimmers. Please ensure that your children are admonished on the dangers of the fast moving water and told not enter any of these areas. Increased surf activity at the local beaches is another hazard that draws people to the shoreline to view the large waves and heavy surf. Please do not enter the water or venture out onto the jetties or rocks along the local beaches. Please report any dangerous activity on or around waterways and beaches over the upcoming days. Prevention and early detection is key to avoiding tragedies. Location: County of Ventura |
