With winter storms on the horizon, Simi Valley crews are clearing storm drains, inspecting drainage systems, and taking additional precautions in areas affected by this year's Sandy Fire. The city is also hosting a series of community meetings throughout November to help residents understand potential flooding risks and prepare their properties before heavy rains arrive.

The city's November 3 announcement outlines work already underway and several practical steps residents can take. Its Storm Preparedness Information page is the central place to check for updates as conditions and meeting details change.

What the city has been doing

Simi Valley Public Works crews have removed more than 22 tons of debris during annual storm basin cleanouts, according to the city. Removing accumulated material helps maintain drainage capacity, although it cannot eliminate the possibility of flooding during intense rain.

Crews have also inspected debris and detention basins and continue to maintain culverts, storm drains and drainage channels. The city says it is monitoring areas with known flooding concerns, stocking response supplies, and coordinating with fire, public safety and other regional partners before the wettest weather arrives.

These steps are intended to reduce risk and improve the city's response, but no drainage system can guarantee protection in every storm.

Why neighborhoods near the Sandy Fire need extra attention

The 2026 Sandy Fire burned approximately 2,200 acres. Hillsides affected by fire can be especially vulnerable when heavy rain arrives. Vegetation that once helped hold soil in place may be reduced, and some burned soils can shed water more quickly.

A short burst of intense rainfall may carry mud, rocks and debris downhill, even where a neighborhood has not flooded before.

The city says it is taking targeted steps in vulnerable areas, including:

• erosion controls
• debris barriers
• protective K-rail
• sandbag diversion structures

These measures are precautions, not a promise that homes or roads will be protected from every debris flow.

Residents living near or below burned hillsides should pay close attention to the intensity of rainfall, not just the total amount predicted for the day.

Conditions may change quickly.

If authorities issue an evacuation warning, prepare to leave; if an evacuation order is issued, leave as directed. If immediate danger is apparent, move to safety without waiting for a formal notice.

Six community meetings scheduled for November

The city has scheduled six meetings to discuss local flood risks, emergency alerts and steps residents can take. Choose the date or format that works best for your household.

Thursday, November 5 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Neighborhood Council #1, Simi Valley City Hall Community Room, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.

Tuesday, November 10 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Neighborhood Council #2, Simi Valley City Hall Community Room, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.

Thursday, November 12 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Neighborhood Council #3, Simi Valley City Hall Community Room, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.

Tuesday, November 17 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Neighborhood Council #4, Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road. This meeting has a special focus on Sandy Fire affected neighborhoods, including Woodlands, Simi South Hills, South Hills Custom Lots and Bridlepath.

Wednesday, November 18 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Virtual Community Flood Preparedness Meeting. Advance registration is required to participate and submit questions ahead of time. The city plans to post a recording afterward on its YouTube channel.

Thursday, November 19 | 7 to 8 p.m.
Bridlepath HOA Meeting, VFW Military History Museum at Simi Valley Town Center, 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Suite 220.

For the virtual meeting registration, any schedule changes and other resources, check the city's StormReady page before attending.

What you can do around your home now

A few preparations made on a dry day can help reduce problems during the first major storm.

Keep water moving away from buildings.

Clear leaves from:

• roof gutters
• downspouts 
• privately maintained drains

Check that water does not collect next to doors or foundations.

Report clogged public storm drains rather than attempting unsafe work in a roadway.

Secure items outdoors. Bring in or fasten loose furniture and decorations. Check vulnerable slopes and drainage paths on your property, particularly if you live below a hillside.

Review your household plan. Know more than one way out of your neighborhood if possible. Keep medications, flashlights, food, drinking water, chargers and essential paperwork accessible.

Include supplies and a plan for pets and anyone who may need extra time or assistance to evacuate.

For a more complete planning checklist, see The Simi Signal's Emergency Preparation Guide. It includes household emergency readiness resources you can review before severe weather arrives.

Check insurance before you need it. Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover damage from flooding. Ask your insurer about coverage, exclusions and waiting periods. The federal FloodSmart website explains flood insurance options and why waiting until a storm is forecast can be too late.

Sandbags can help, but know their limits

Sandbags can sometimes divert small amounts of surface water around a doorway or low spot. They are not designed to stop a debris flow carying mud, rocks and other heavy material.

The city recommends purchasing sand and bags in advance from local hardware or home improvement stores if you expect to need them. Ventura County Fire Department stations may have limited supplies. Confirm availability and locations through VCFD's sandbag information or by calling (805) 389-9710 before making a trip.

Keep these local storm contacts handy

Knowing who to call can save time during a storm. A blocked public drain, a power outage, a downed wire and a suspected gas leak need different responses. Our Simi Valley Storm Preparedness contacts infographic is designed as a quick reference you can save to your phone or share with a neighbor.

• Immediate danger: Call 911 for dangerous flooding, trapped people, downed power lines or an immediate gas emergency. Stay clear of hazards and move to safety.

• Blocked public storm drains: Simi Valley Public Works, (805) 583-6400.

• Nonemergency police assistance: Simi Valley Police Department, (805) 583-6950. See official police contact information.

• Power outages and electrical service concerns: Southern California Edison, (800) 611-1911. Report routine outages through SCE's outage reporting page. For a fallen wire, stay at least 100 feet away and call 911 first.

• Natural gas problems: SoCalGas, (800) 427-2200. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area and call from a safe location. Call 911 if there is immediate danger. See the city's official utility contact information.

Know where to get alerts and report problems

Sign up for VC Alert for emergency warnings and evacuation notices. During an active incident, VCEmergency.com is a key source for official updates. You can also check the City of Simi Valley's storm preparedness page for local resources and reporting information.

Never drive or walk into floodwater, and never attempt to clear debris from a rushing drainage channel. The contact list above is for reference; follow emergency instructions from authorities during active incidents.

The takeaway

You don't need to wait for a severe weather warning to prepare. Checking drains, making a household plan, signing up for alerts and attending a community meeting are all useful steps now. Households close to Sandy Fire burn areas may have additional reasons to prepare early.

The latest meeting information, public resources and storm preparation guidance are available on the City of Simi Valley's StormReady page.

Information reviewed November 3, 2026, using the city's storm season announcement. Meeting details and emergency conditions may change. Follow official alerts for current instructions.