Santa Barbara County’s Office of Emergency Management on Monday released an updated flood risk map for the areas below the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa fire burn scars.
To view the updated map, click here.
The previous map was reportedly revised to include the most up-to-date scientific research and data gathered following the Jan. 9, 2018 mudslide.
County officials say people who live below the burn areas, especially those in Carpinteria and Montecito, should look at the map to see if their home is in a risk area. They say if a storm is predicted to exceed rain thresholds that could cause a debris flow, the risk area will be evacuated. If there’s no time to warn the public, county officials say residents should have a plan in place to protect themselves and their family, such as going to a neighbor’s house on higher ground.
Those without access to the online map can contact their local fire department for more information:
- Montecito Fire Protection District: (805) 969-7762
- Carpinteria-Summerland Fire District: (805) 566-2450
- City of Santa Barbara Fire Department: (805) 965-5254
- Santa Barbara County Fire Department: (805) 681-5500
The new map will also be discussed at three upcoming community meetings:
- December 5, 5:30 p.m. – Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave., Carpinteria
- December 10, 5:30 p.m. (presented in Spanish) – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1532 Linden Ave., Carpinteria
- December 12, 5:30 p.m. – Montecito Union School, 385 San Ysidro Rd., Santa Barbara
All Santa Barbara County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through the Aware and Prepare Alerts system.
