It is hard to imagine preparing for winter weather when it is so hot outside, but now is the time to plan for what could be a wetter winter. While no one knows for sure the impacts El Niño and other weather events could have on Goleta, here at the City we are planning ahead for a potential intense rainy season and encourage you to do the same. The more we all are prepared for whatever conditions come our way, the safer our community will be.
At the October 6th Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. staff will outline the many ways the City is taking action to prepare for the upcoming storm season. We encourage you to join us in person in Goleta City Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive), watch live on our website or the City’s YouTube channel, or participate via Zoom (instructions in the agenda). Staff will cover:
- Inspecting and clearing City storm drains, inlets, catch basins, culverts and other drainage infrastructure.
- Targeting tree removal and maintenance for trees that are dead, hazardous or have an increased risk of failure during high winds and saturated conditions.
- Conducting a mock emergency preparedness training during an extreme winter weather event.in the City’s Emergency Operations Center.
- Working with the County of SB and regional flood control partners to ensure waterways and channels are clear of excess debris and able to safely convey stormwater.
- Reviewing emergency response plans, preparing equipment and resources, and coordinating with partner agencies so we are ready to respond to weather conditions.
- Preparing all city facilities for potential flooding by clearing roofs and gutters of debris, testing downspouts and clearing obstructions. Facilities include but are not limited to the Goleta Community Center, the Stow House and the Southcoast Railroad Museum.
- Preparing back-up plans for Goleta Valley Library Express outdoor programming and Book Van stop locations.
- Homeless Services Division to ensure shelter beds are available and work with service providers to canvas and conduct outreach at encampments located in potential flood zones.
To read more about the actions the City is taking, read the staff report at: https://tinyurl.com/5azadf9w.
On October 1st, the County of Santa Barbara conducted a virtual meeting to update the community on potential impacts of El Niño and winter weather and to what to do to prepare. There was a lot of information covered and great questions asked. Watch a recording on th County’s YouTube channel in English or Spanish.
So what exactly is an El Niño and what does it mean for Goleta?
El Niño is a climate event which influences global temperatures, precipitation patterns, and ecological systems. The exact outcomes in specific regions are uncertain.
The National Weather Service is keeping a close eye on ocean temperatures, which are warmer than normal. Warm ocean water is an important sign that El Niño is happening, but the atmosphere also needs to react to that warm water for storm paths to shift toward Southern California.
El Niño affects overall weather patterns, but it is not a storm. We cannot predict exactly when storms will happen or how strong they will be. A strong El Niño usually means we may have a wetter winter, but it does not guarantee that every neighborhood will have serious flooding or damage.
Even though ocean temperatures are already high and expected to stay warm through winter, the atmosphere has not yet fully connected with those conditions. This means we do not yet know exactly how El Niño will result in more rain this upcoming winter season.
So what can you do to prepare? Here are a some important steps:
Create a Plan
Talk with your family or household members about what to do during flooding. Decide on safe meeting places, practice evacuation routes, and make sure everyone knows how to contact each other if separated.
Keep Supplies
Build an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Flooding can cause power outages, so prepare in case you lose power. Have back up batteries charged and ready to go, and be careful of food spoilage if your fridge is no longer keeping things cold.
Know Your Neighborhood
The first thing to do is remember where flooding is common, you can click here to see FEMA’s flood maps of Goleta. The maps are very detailed so zoom in and out to find a good view of your home (look for the blue and orange to see your flood risk). Be sure to look at your driving route to your neighborhood also; driving through flood waters is never a good idea. Turn around, don’t drown.
Prepare Your Home Before the Rain
- Check your roof for damaged or missing shingles, tiles, or other areas where water could enter.
- Secure outdoor items such as furniture, umbrellas, planters, and decorations that could be moved by strong winds.
- Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure water can flow away from your home.
- Clear leaves and debris from storm drains and drainage areas around your property.
- Check drainage around your property and address areas where water tends to collect.
- Rember normal homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Learn more about it here at FEMA’s website.
- Stock up on sandbags. There are three sandbag locations in the City. Please be courteous to others and take only what you think you will need.
Prepare Your Vehicles Before the Rain
- Check your tires for proper inflation and adequate tread.
- Inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if they are worn or leaving streaks.
- Check your headlights, brake lights and turn signals to make sure you can see and be seen in rainy conditions.
- Check your brakes and address any unusual noises or changes in performance.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with a flashlight, phone charger, water, basic first-aid supplies and other essentials.
NOAA Weather Radio
The County recommends community members get a NOAA weather radio to keep in a central location in your home. When other systems fail, these radios can provide a reliable way to receive life-saving alerts and critical instructions. NOAA Weather Radios equipped with a special alarm tone feature will automatically activate when an emergency alert is issued, even if the radio is not turned on. When triggered, the radio sounds a loud alert tone and begins broadcasting the warning message. Learn more about NOAA Weather Radios here.
Register for Alerts
Be sure you are signed up for Emergency Alerts at ReadySBC.org. Remember if we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.