One of the most important things you can do is make sure you are registered for ReadySBC Alerts, Santa Barbara County’s emergency notification system.

ReadySBC provides critical information including:

• Evacuation warnings and orders
• Severe weather information
• Flood and debris-flow alerts
• Road and emergency information
• Other urgent public safety notifications

→ SIGN UP FOR READYSBC ALERTS

During significant weather events, conditions can change quickly.

Residents should monitor official information from:

National Weather Service – Los Angeles/Oxnard
Local forecasts, watches, warnings and rainfall information.

Santa Barbara County
Emergency information, rainfall and stream-gauge data, flood information and other storm resources.

Montecito Fire Protection District
Local emergency preparedness information and storm updates specific to Montecito.

AM 1610

Montecito Fire operates AM 1610, which broadcasts preparedness information and can provide important local information during emergencies.

Set AM 1610 as a preset in your vehicle now, before an emergency occurs.

Before significant rainfall arrives, residents should take time to inspect their properties and address potential problems.

Consider:

• Clearing gutters and roof drains
• Keeping drainage paths clear
• Checking culverts and drainage areas on your property
• Addressing erosion-prone areas
• Trimming or inspecting vulnerable trees
• Securing outdoor furniture and other loose items
• Knowing whether your property is in a flood or debris-flow risk area
• Preparing sandbags in advance when appropriate

Do not enter creeks or drainage areas or attempt work on public property yourself. Report concerns to the appropriate agency.

Before forecasted significant rainfall, Montecito Fire establishes a community sandbag filling station at Lower Manning Park.

Residents are encouraged to prepare early rather than waiting until a storm arrives.

→ SANDBAG INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS

Don't wait until an emergency to decide how you will leave your neighborhood.

Before winter storms:

• Identify at least two routes out of your neighborhood.
• Know where you will go if you need to evacuate.
• Keep your vehicle fueled or charged.
• Prepare an emergency go-bag.
• Include medications, important documents and supplies for pets.
• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need additional assistance.
• Follow evacuation warnings and orders from public safety officials.

If an Evacuation Warning is issued, prepare to leave. Those who need additional time should consider leaving early.

If an Evacuation Order is issued, it is time to go.

Never drive around a road closure or attempt to drive through floodwater.

Residents are encouraged to become familiar with the hazards that may affect their property and neighborhood.

Santa Barbara County and local public safety agencies provide maps and resources related to:

• Flood risk
• Debris-flow risk
• Evacuation areas
• Creek and watershed conditions
• Rainfall and stream gauges

Knowing your risk before a storm can help you make better decisions when severe weather arrives.

→ VIEW LOCAL HAZARD & RISK MAPS

Following the September 14 Winter Storm Preparedness Community Meeting, the Montecito Association is continuing to follow up on questions raised by residents regarding creek conditions, infrastructure and work planned before the rainy season.

Current areas of follow-up include:

• San Ysidro Creek near La Vuelta Road and Jameson Lane
• San Ysidro Creek at the Highway 101 crossing
• Creek and debris-basin maintenance
• Agency and jurisdictional responsibilities
• The Montecito Flood Control Master Plan
• Coordination among County Flood Control, Public Works, Caltrans and other agencies

Follow Our Progress

Visit our Montecito Creek & Infrastructure Follow-Up Tracker for current information, agency responses, next steps and upcoming milestones.

→ VIEW THE CREEK & INFRASTRUCTURE FOLLOW-UP TRACKER (coming soon!)

Residents often see changing conditions in their neighborhoods before agencies do.

If you notice a blocked culvert, downed tree, significant sediment accumulation, drainage problem or another potential infrastructure concern, report it to the appropriate public agency.

Santa Barbara County Public Works provides a service-request system for reporting concerns involving County-maintained infrastructure.

→ SUBMIT A COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS SERVICE REQUEST

For emergencies or immediate threats to life or property, call 911.

We recommend bookmarking these resources before storm season:

ReadySBC — Emergency alerts, preparedness and evacuation information
National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard — Forecasts, watches and warnings
Montecito Fire Protection District — Local preparedness and emergency information
Santa Barbara County Public Works / Flood Control — Creek, drainage and infrastructure information
Santa Barbara County rainfall and stream gauges — Real-time rainfall and creek conditions
Caltrans — Highway conditions and closures
Montecito Fire AM 1610 — Local emergency broadcasts

Stay Connected with the Montecito Association

One of the most important parts of preparedness is staying informed.

The Montecito Association works throughout the year to connect residents with public agencies, share timely public safety information, advocate for Montecito-specific concerns and keep our community informed about the issues that affect us.

To receive our weekly newsletters with public safety information, community updates, upcoming events and the latest on issues affecting Montecito, we invite you to join the Montecito Association.

→ JOIN THE MONTECITO ASSOCIATION