Anonymous
Source: County of Santa Barbara
[On Monday], the County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) announced that the interactive map designating areas at risk from a debris flow below the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa burn areas in Santa Barbara County has been updated for this winter’s storm season and posted at www.ReadySBC.org.
Residents living below burn areas should refer to the map to see if their residence is in a risk area. The previous risk map has been revised to include the most up-to-date scientific research and data gathered following the 1/9 Debris Flow. The map update was completed focusing on the watershed draining to the developed areas of Montecito and Carpinteria. Analysis and factors used to update the map included data collection, field reconnaissance, and scientific modeling. The results were analyzed to revise the current debris flow risk zones and make the changes to the interactive map. The County utilized FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funds to cover 75 percent of the $124,000 total cost.
Residents below the burn areas, especially in Carpinteria and Montecito, are urged to access the map and understand their risk. If a storm is predicted to exceed rain thresholds believed to cause a debris flow, the risk area will be evacuated. In the event of a rapidly developing storm with little to no warning, residents living in the risk areas should have a plan to protect themselves and their family if it is not safe to evacuate. This can include going to a neighbor who lives on higher ground or sheltering in place.
For those without access to the Internet and the map, they should contact their local fire department. For the Montecito Fire Protection District, call (805) 969-7762; Carpinteria-Summerland Fire District, call (805) 566-2450; City of Santa Barbara Fire Department, call (805) 965-5254; and in Goleta, call County Fire at (805) 681-5500.
The new map will be discussed and previewed at three upcoming informational community meetings, including one conducted in Spanish, scheduled in Carpinteria and Montecito on December 5, 10 and 12. Information about the three community meetings is enclosed below.
Residents and visitors should also go to www.ReadySBC.org to register for Aware and Prepare emergency alerts and download materials for Storm Ready-Set-Go. For assistance developing a family safety plan, contact a local fire department or go to https://www.ready.gov/.
Community Informational Meeting Schedule
- Presented in English; Spanish and ASL interpretation will be available
- To watch live, go to CSBTV cable channel 20 or FaceBook at “countyofsb.” A video of the meeting will be posted atwww.YouTube.com/user/CSBTV20.
- English interpretation will be available
- Childcare will be provided. To watch live, go to FaceBook at “countyofsb.”
- To watch live, go to FaceBook at “countyofsb.” A video of the meeting will be posted atwww.YouTube.com/user/CSBTV20.
- Presented in English; ASL interpretation will be provided
- To watch live, go to CSBTV cable channel 20 or FaceBook at “countyofsb.” A video of the meeting will be posted atwww.YouTube.com/user/CSBTV20.
Those vulnerable areas were obvious prior to the rain storm and debris flow. County OEM tragically and erroneously used Highway 192 as an evacuation line that made no sense.