Take heed, Santa Barbara; the rainy season is creeping upon us, and not without a flashy debut. The National Weather Service anticipates between a 2″ and 5″ of rain this week, Monday, October 15 through Thursday, October 15. Because of the damage done to the vegetation on the foothills above the city by the Tea and Jesusita fires, flash flooding and mudslides present an increased threat to the county and its residents. Officials are encouraging residents to prepare for these heavy rains now. Sandbag stations are available at a seven locations in the Santa Barbara area. They’re free and there is no limit to the number of sandbags a resident can take, but it is advised that people bring a pair of gloves as they must fill their own bags. The following sandbag locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

– County Fire Station 11 (6901 Frey Way, Goleta)

– County Fire Station 14 (320 Los Carneros Rd., Goleta):

– County Corporate Yard (4430 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, Next to Transfer Station)

– Santa Barbara Botanical Garden Parking lot (1212 Mission Canyon Rd).:

– Montecito Fire Station # 2 (595 San Ysidro Rd.):

– Northerly Terminus of Tunnel Rd.

The station located at the City of Santa Barbara Annex Yard (401 E. Yanonali Street) will be open from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, October 12th, but the hours may be extended depending on weather conditions. As of now, from October 13th to 16th, the Annex Yard will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Remember, plywood, lumber, plastic sheeting, and sandbags are inexpensive items helpful for damage prevention. Check out www.countyofsb.org for more information on safety techniques, including illustrations on how to stack your sandbags.

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.