On Tuesday, November 17, 2015 the Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services (OES) held an El Nino Community Town Hall Meeting for Santa Clara Valley residents which included the towns of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru.

It was a very informative meeting, held at the Fillmore Memorial Building. Upon entering Information pamphlets from various emergency agencies and refreshments were provided by Ivan Rodriguez and Junelyn Segul with OES, who greeted the 250 attendees. Once seated, Kevin McGowan with OES introduced the many agency representatives starting with Meteorologist Mark Jackson from the National Weather Service stationed in Oxnard which covers both Los Angeles and Ventura County.

Jackson explained El Nino is a periodic warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Why this happens is unknown and happens about every two to seven years and lasts for six to 18 months. La Nina which is the opposite, is marked by cool temperature in the Pacific.

The 2015-15 El Nino is expected to strengthen further to the end of the year and may be the most powerful in 18 years. The strongest was recorded back in 1997-98. Another El Nino year was 1982-83 which to date is considered the second strongest.

Jackson informed those in attendance that Fillmore's average yearly rainfall is 18 inches. In 1982-83 it was 41.00 inches and in 1997-98 Fillmore had 45.95 inches. The coming El Nino will come as a season of storms, not just one, with the heaviest rainfall expected during February 2016 and decreasing that following spring.

Areas near recent wildfires are susceptible to flooding due to loss of vegetation on hillsides and natural waterways that may become clogged with ash and debris. The amount of vegetation that would normally grow naturally after a fire has not occurred due to the years of drought conditions we have experienced. These conditions could bring even more mudslides and debris flows. Jackson said to expect some flooding, flash flooding and coastal erosion. He informed everyone that a flood watch is given when flooding is possible, a flood warning when flooding in your area is imminent or already occurring and a flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that often come as a wave.

Next to speak was Bruce Rindahl with the Watershed Protection District. Rindahl stated that not all El Ninos cause flooding, but to expect the possibility with at least a two times normal amount of rainfall. He advised everyone to know their local creeks and rivers and showed models of what the predicted riparian waterways may look like with inundation and impacted forecasting. Rindahl stressed the importance of preparedness for yourself and your families, suggesting a disaster kit with seven days food, one gallon of water per day per person, extra prescription medication, food for pets, extra clothes and a small disaster kit for the car, cash, credit cards, photos, insurance papers. Also fill your gas tank, and move furniture to the highest point in your home. Register your phone number with www.vcalert.org or call 805 648-9283 to register. He also stated people need to stay informed.

Police Chief Dave Wareham along with Santa Paula Police Dept. Sgt Jimmy Fogata explained what the Police and Sheriffs Departments will be doing to prepare and what services will be provided.

Wareham explained that "voluntary evacuation" happen when a threat is not yet imminent, but residents should be prepared with personal belongings including pets and livestock for possible "mandatory evacuation" which is due to an imminent threat. This happens when conditions are seriously imperil or endanger the lives of those in the defined area. No one will be forcibly removed from the area, but once out of the area the general public (including residents) will not be permitted to return until the danger passes.

There are two types of road closures; hard road closure and soft road closure. Hard closure, the general public is prevented, by both law enforcement or barricades, from entering the area on foot or by vehicle. Soft closure, law enforcement prevents the general public from entering, but allows access to those with an ID who reside in the impacted area.

Shelter-in-place requires residents lock doors and windows, select an interior room where they are with no or few windows and take refuge. Wait for an all clear from the various news outlets. Those outlets include VCAlert, door to door notification, public address systems, local media including TV, radio, social media and agency websites.

Wareham warned that historically Hwy 126 is susceptible to isolation in many areas due to creek crossings and the potential for debris flows into the roadway. He pointed out the area between Santa Paula and Todd Road that floods and the area of Hwy 23 near the Equestrian Center.

Wareham also warned that just six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars which can cause loss of control or stalling. Many cars will start to float in as little as one foot of water, with two feet of flowing water able to sweep away most vehicles, including large four-wheel drive cars.

For road closure information: Highway Patrol, http://cad.chp.ca.gov; County Roads http://pwa.ventura.org.
Ventura County Fire Dept. Division Chief Norm Plott, Fillmore Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Santa Paula Fire Dept. Chief Rick Araiza reported on the fire response and emergency sandbagging. They encouraged everyone to keep the water moving by cleaning the drains in their areas and helping the elderly with their areas. Fillmore residents may pick up emergency sandbags at the public works yard and fire station. Those wanting sandbags in advance of the rains can purchase them at Fillmore Rentals. Use the sandbags to direct the water away, do not dam the water. For 100 lineal feet of a sandbag wall: 1' high requires 600-800 bags with 10-13 cubic yards of sand; 2' high requires 1,400-2,000 bags with 23-33 cubic yards of sand; 3' high requires 2,200-3,400 bags and 37-57 cubic yards of sand.

Luis Espinosa, a volunteer with the American Red Cross, informed everyone that during an evacuation the shelters are open to everyone, but shelter sites could change. He also stated pets are not allowed in the shelters; drugs and weapons are also banned. Transportation to the shelters is not provided and everyone should bring their own essentials such as phone, medication and toiletries. Choose two places in advance where to meet up with family members. Evacuations may be for an hour or all night. There is a Red Cross Emergency App available for Smartphones.

Ramiro De Arcos, with Ventura Animal Services, suggested those with animals discuss their options ahead of time with relatives or friends where the animals can be taken, especially with large animals such as horses. Inform family, friends, neighbors of your evacuation plans and post detailed instructions where emergency workers can contact you. Evacuate early, do not wait until the roads are closed or jammed with emergency vehicles. Have equipment ready for each animal and enough feed and water for five days. Any animal recovered later will require proper identification to be reclaimed. Call Animal Services 805 388-4342 or 1-888-223-7387 if you need assistance with evacuation or www.vcas.us for information. The Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team (EVRT) is available only in a disaster. Contact 1-866-EVRT911.

Richard Rudman with Remote Possibilities Contract Broadcast Services, reminded anyone whose electric service is cut off, to use their car radio to receive local media and information. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) includes every radio and TV station. The primary local EAS stations are: KVEN 1450 AM, KHAY 100.7 FM, KMLA 103.7 FM (Spanish).

There was a question of the homeless living in the area and what is being done for their safety. Wareham responded the police/sheriffs are trying to locate any homeless in advance and offer them housing in Ventura. But, unless it is a trespassing issue, nothing can be done to force the person to cooperate and seek a safer place.