Volunteers Needed for Montecito Storm Outreach

Source: Montecito Fire Protection District

This week, the Office of Emergency Management and the Storm Risk Management Team 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.

The new risk map has been revised to reflect the most up-to-date scientific research and data gathered following the 1/9 Debris Flow. The map update focused on the watershed draining to the developed areas of Montecito and Carpinteria. About 1,500 properties are identified as being in the risk area.

In an effort to ensure everyone residing in the risk area is notified, the Storm Risk Management Team, County Search & Rescue, the cities of Carpinteria and Santa Barbara, and the Montecito Fire Protection District are coordinating a door-to-door campaign targeting 1,508 properties in Carpinteria, Montecito and Coast Village Road. The campaign will also serve as preparation and training for Search & Rescue in the event of a future evacuation of these properties.

Habitat for Humanity SB and the Montecito Emergency Response and Recovery Action Group (MERRAG) are coordinating the large volunteer effort needed to support this outreach. Search & Rescue will be running the operation, assigning teams of two-three individuals. Before the door-to-door deliveries can be made, the first volunteer shift is to collate and assemble 1,550 bilingual packets.

Volunteer Shifts:

• 1. Sunday, Dec. 9, Carpinteria (Carpinteria City Hall)
• a. 9 a.m.-noon: prepare packets for distribution
• b. noon-5 p.m.: door-to-door delivery
• 2. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Montecito (Montecito Union School)

We are looking to recruit up to 150 individuals for each of these days. To volunteer, go to Habitat Volunteer Sign-Up or contact Joyce Reed at jreed@montecitofire.com or ( 805) 969-2537.

Thank you in advance for your service to the community! And feel free to share this with your networks, friends, family and colleagues.