December 7, 2009

Public Safety Notice

VENTURA KEYS RESIDENTS

The Ventura Harbor Patrol has been monitoring local weather forecasting products to better prepare for the coming weeks predicted weather conditions. Multiple reputable sources are predicting strong winter weather conditions arriving late this weekend, continuing through the week up to the following weekend. Included in the forecasts are high winds and surf. These dangerous combinations have in the past caused numerous problems for tenants within the harbor, and stretch the Harbor Patrol services thin.

As we prepare to respond to these challenges we seek your assistance in addressing some of the more common anticipated problems before the storms hit. Each of these suggestions can minimize damage and prevent the loss of valuables. These simple actions will also allow us to be more readily available for emergencies as they might arise.

Safety Suggestions:

	Inspect docks and secure loose items.
	Inspect all dock lines and cleats.
	Replace old lines, add additional fenders, and add dock lines to better deal with strong surges while protecting your property.
	Remove loose and important items from the rip-rap to prevent the surges from sweeping the items in to the harbor.
	Clearly mark items such as dinghies, kayaks, surfboards, and inflatable products so that we may return them to you if they become adrift.
	Remove water in vessels before the storm to prevent sinking in the event of significant rain fall.

In the event that you experience an emergency or have a need for a non-emergency response please call 911 to request our services. The Harbor Patrol several years ago was included in the cities 911 system and utilization of this system allows for more resources to be dedicated to our small staff as we respond to your call for service. For general questions and assistance in finding local businesses that might be able to help you prepare or respond to non-emergency service calls you may contact the Harbor Patrol via our office line @ 805-642-8618. As a reminder our normal hours are from 6am to 2am, but we are available after hours through an on call system. You may also hail us on the marine radio on channel 12 for routine calls or 16 for emergencies.

Sincerely,

Officer John Higgins
Ventura Harbor Patrol
805-642-8618