City of Simi Valley Encourages the Public to Prepare for El Niño Storm Season

With winter storm season underway and potentially wetter conditions associated with El Niño ahead, the City of Simi Valley is actively preparing to protect public infrastructure, reduce flood risks, and strengthen emergency response efforts. As City crews and regional partners continue these preparations, residents are encouraged to take steps now to protect their homes, families, and property.

"Preparing for winter storms is a shared responsibility, and acting early is essential. We've already seen rainfall in our community, with more expected in the months ahead," said Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh. "While the City and our public safety partners prepare infrastructure and emergency response resources, residents also play a critical role. We encourage everyone to protect their homes, know their risks, review their flood insurance coverage, have an emergency plan, and sign up for alerts. Taking these steps now can make a significant difference when severe weather arrives."

To help residents prepare, the City will host a series of community meetings in November focused on local flood risks, emergency notifications, and practical steps to protect homes and families. Residents are encouraged to attend one of the following Storm Preparedness Community Meetings:

• November 5, 10, and 12, 2026, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Neighborhood Council Meetings #1, #2, and #3, at City Hall in the Community Room, located at 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.
• November 17, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Neighborhood Council Meeting #4, at the Simi Valley Public Library, located at 2969 Tapo Canyon Road. Special focus on Sandy Fire-impacted neighborhoods, including Woodlands, Simi South Hills, South Hills Custom Lots, and Bridlepath.
• November 18, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - A virtual Community Flood Preparedness Meeting. To participate, register online to participate and submit questions in advance. A recording will be available afterward on the City of Simi Valley's YouTube channel.
• November 19, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Bridlepath HOA Meeting, hosted at the VFW Military History Museum in the Simi Valley Town Center, located at 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Suite 220.

For meeting updates and information, visit www.SimiValley.org/StormReady.

How the City Is Preparing for Storm Season

The City of Simi Valley has been actively preparing for the 2026-2027 storm season, working closely with local and regional public safety, public works, and emergency response partners. Over the past several months, City staff have completed annual storm basin cleanouts, removing more than 22 tons of debris from the City's drainage system to improve stormwater flow and reduce flooding risks. Crews have also inspected debris and detention basins and continue preventive maintenance of culverts, storm drains, and drainage channels throughout the City.

Following the 2026 Sandy Fire, which burned approximately 2,200 acres, the City is implementing targeted flood and debris-flow mitigation measures in vulnerable areas, including debris barriers, protective K-rail, erosion control, and sandbag diversion structures. The City is also closely monitoring known flood-prone locations, increasing inventories of critical storm response supplies, and coordinating with regional partners and vendors to secure additional resources as needed. Public Works crews will continue inspections and maintenance before, during, and after storms to protect public infrastructure, address emerging conditions, and support a coordinated emergency response.

What the Public Can Do Now

Community members are encouraged to use the time before major storms to prepare their homes and households. Important steps include addressing erosion-prone areas on private property, securing outdoor items, and clearing roofs, gutters, and privately maintained drains. Residents should also review their household emergency plans, identify evacuation routes, and prepare emergency supplies, including food, water, medications, flashlights, and go bags for family members and pets.

Those who may need sandbags are encouraged to purchase sand and sandbags in advance from local hardware or home improvement stores. Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) stations may also have limited supplies available. For information about availability and fire station locations, contact VCFD at (805) 389-9710 or visit fire.venturacounty.gov/sandbag-stations. Sandbags can help redirect minor flooding but do not protect against debris flows.

Property owners should review their insurance policies and consider whether additional flood insurance coverage is needed, as standard homeowners' insurance generally does not cover flood damage. Information about flood insurance options and coverage waiting periods is available at FloodSmart.gov.

Additional Precautions Near Sandy Fire Burn Areas

Those living near or below hillsides affected by the Sandy Fire should be particularly vigilant. Burned landscapes are more susceptible to flooding and debris flows, and rainfall intensity is a critical factor in determining risk. Heavy rain falling over a short period can rapidly send water, mud, rocks, and debris downhill, potentially impacting homes, roads, and areas that have not previously experienced flooding.

Community members are encouraged to closely monitor weather forecasts, rainfall amounts and intensity, and emergency alerts throughout the storm season. Conditions can change rapidly, and flooding and debris flows may occur with little warning. Know your evacuation routes, be prepared to leave early if conditions worsen, and never walk or drive through floodwaters. If you are in immediate danger, move to safety without waiting for an official evacuation warning or order. Protective measures, including sandbags, cannot eliminate the risks associated with a debris flow.

Stay Informed and Connected

The public is encouraged to register for VC Alert at Ready.VenturaCounty.gov to receive emergency notifications, including evacuation warnings and orders. During emergencies, visit VCEmergency.com for official incident updates.

For additional flood preparedness resources, community meeting information, and practical guidance, visit www.SimiValley.org/StormReady.

To report blocked storm drains or other non-emergency maintenance concerns, contact Simi Valley Public Works at (805) 583-6400. For emergencies, call 911.