The current El Niño condition has the potential to bring unusually high amounts of rain to California in 2016. Schools can help reduce the risk of flooding at their facilities by:

• Trimming and/or removing trees and superfluous shrubbery
• Clearing storm drains and catch basins
• Clearing roofs, roof drains and gutters 

The below resources provide useful information on preparing for El Niño rains and responding to flood-related incidents. We have also created a sample news release that may be used to announce weather-related school closures.

Ventura County El Niño Preparedness Information

Ready is a national campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural and man-made disasters. The goal is to increase the level of basic preparedness across the nation. In partnership with FEMA and the Ad Council, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services localized the Ready campaign to assist  residents in preparing for, responding to and recovering from a local emergency or disaster within our community. Visit site...

FEMA Interactive Flood Maps for Ventura County 

Flood insurance maps show the chance of a flood and the insurance rates in your area. Through FEMA's flood hazard mapping program, Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning, FEMA identifies flood hazards, assesses flood risks and partners with states and communities to provide accurate flood hazard and risk data to guide them to mitigation actions. Visit site...

Ventura County Flood Info 

The County of Ventura's flood information web page is brought to you through the National Flood Insurance System's Community Rating System. On this site you will be able to get updates on El Niño, review flood maps, learn about flood safe requirements for building in a floodplain, become better informed on how to hire a contractor and much more. Visit site...

Ventura County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 

This 2015 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan addresses the local mitigation planning requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 for Unincorporated Ventura County and other local participants and the the Floodplain Management Planning activities of the Community Rating System for the Ventura County Watershed Protection District on behalf of Unincorporated Ventura County and the City of Oxnard. View the plan...  

Additional Resources 

• Sample News Release for School Closures 
• American Red Cross: Preparing for El Niño
• NOAA El Niño Portal 
• Ventura County Fire Department Flood Preparation Guide