The City and County of Santa Barbara are working jointly to prevent flooding in the Sycamore Creek Watershed that could result from damage to the area from the Tea Fire, it was announced in a press release this afternoon. Both agencies are saying that the area could be at greater risk of flooding this year. As such, Sycamore Creek is being cleared of debris, and various measures are being considered to decrease erosion that could result from the burning away of the area’s vegetation. City officials are also looking at Parma Park and how street drainage can be protected in anticipation of winter rains.

Though the precise plan of action seems indefinite at the moment, people living near this area are being encouraged to take certain precautionary actions. For example, people who have flood insurance may want to reevaluate their policies to see exactly what kinds of damage are covered. Those who don’t have it may want to get it, though they should be aware that most policies don’t go into effect until 30 days after they are purchased. The National Flood Insurance program’s Web site is a good place to start for people just starting to research this matter.

Furthermore, sand bags are available now at the City of Santa Barbara’s corporate annex yard at 401 E. Yanonali. Visitors can come get sandbags Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A second sandbag station will also be open all day, every day at County Fire Station 14, at 320 Los Carneros Rd.

Finally, residents may be interested in reading the county’s guide for flood prevention and response, which is available online.

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