AnonymousSource: County of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County public safety officials are reminding the community that a significant incoming winter storm has been predicted that could bring long-lasting rainfall, strong winds, and especially cold temperatures throughout the county and the region.
Public safety agencies are working closely together to monitor incoming storms, assess potential impacts and take actions needed to protect lives and property. It is important that community members are also prepared to protect themselves and their properties, staying informed and are ready to act if recommended to do so.
“Now is the time to prepare or update your family emergency plan, refresh your emergency kit and protect your home from potential flooding,” said Kelly Hubbard, Director of OEM. “Keep in mind any additional needs of individuals in your family with access and functional needs and other disabilities. Plan ahead for pets and livestock. And consider any COVID-19 related updates to your emergency kit, such as face coverings and hand sanitizer.”
Public safety agencies work closely together to monitor incoming storms with the potential for significant flooding and debris flows, and to inform the public of necessary actions (such as evacuation or moving to higher ground). Although public safety officials are not asking residents to take such actions at this time, residents should have a plan to protect themselves and their family, including if it is not safe to evacuate. This can include going to a higher floor in your home, to a neighbor who lives on higher ground, or sheltering in place.
County Sheriff Bill Brown added, “If at any time people feel unsafe or threatened by a storm, or any other hazard, they should relocate to a safe area. Do not wait for an alert or public safety personnel to tell you to leave.”
“’Ready, Set, Go!’ is a nationwide program designed to guide residents through steps to take to ensure they are prepared in case of an approaching fire; the same idea can be applied to flood preparedness,” said County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig. “Have a go-kit ready at all times with food and water for you and your pets, flashlights, medications, important documents, cash and other critical supplies. Stay informed of the latest weather forecasts and be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. When ordered to go, leave immediately.”
Additional Preparedness Recommendations:
- Register for emergency alerts at www.readysbc.org;
- Inspect your property to determine if outdoor equipment should be moved indoors or if sandbags are needed to prevent flooding (sandbag locations can be found at www.countyofsb.org/pwd/sandbag.sbc);
- Make or update an emergency kit (visit www.ready.gov/kit to learn more);
- Have an emergency plan for your household, including writing down important phone numbers, addresses, and prescriptions;
- Charge mobile and medical devices in case of a storm-induced power outage;
- Consider relocating to a hotel if you cannot drive at night or have significant mobility concerns;
- Ensure the safety of pets and animals that are usually kept outdoors; and
- Stay informed during the storm and prepared to take action should the situation in your area become unsafe.
That means don’t go surfing or hiking!
Translation of Sheriff Bill: “If it gets sketchy, just run. We can’t be depended on to provide early warnings, especially to Spanish speakers who get translated warnings up to 20 minutes after everyone else. I spent all the money on an empty new jail so we basically have some Walkie-talkies and cup phones now.”