Anonymous
Source: Santa Barbara County Public Works Department
Oct. 17-24, 2020 is California Flood Preparedness Week. California experiences many types of flooding: alluvial fan, debris flow, riverine, coastal, tsunami, flash and localized floods. Not every part of California experiences every type of flooding, but the results of each is the same: without proper preparedness, lives, homes, infrastructure and agriculture are lost, and damage to the environment and economy is likely.
Be aware: You can find out if your home is in a flood zone by visiting floodsmart.gov – the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage and a 30-day wait period is required before a policy takes effect.
During storm season, pay attention to weather forecasts and listen to local authorities. Residents can sign up for Santa Barbara County’s Aware and Prepare alerts at www.readysbc.org.
Be prepared: Always have an emergency evacuation kit ready and be prepared to evacuate early. Have a household inventory with copies of critical documents, and have a plan for where you will go in an emergency and what to do with your pets. Remember to prioritize “The Five P’s” when preparing to leave your home; people and pets, papers (essential documents), prescriptions (medication, eyeglasses, hearing aids), pictures and your personal computer. Share flood preparedness information with friends, family and neighbors. Residents should also prepare by keeping storm drains clear.
If your property is prone to flooding, have sandbags, plastic sheeting and other flood-fighting materials on hand. Sandbags can be useful in redirecting storm water and debris flows away from your home. It is essential that sandbags are correctly filled and maintained. For information on where to find sandbag supplies, visit www.countyofsb.org/pwd/sandbag.sbc.
During a flooding event, it is crucial to take action. If you are asked to evacuate, please do so immediately. Make sure to learn how to turn off water, gas, and electricity to your home if it is flooded.
For more information on California Flood Preparedness Week, visit water.ca.gov. For information on flood preparedness in Santa Barbara County, visit www.countyofsb.org/pwd/floodprep.sbc. To watch our new series of videos on flood preparedness and response, visit http://ow.ly/JJx650BUAU0 .
