Undoubtedly many amateurs know about the predicted flash flood and wind watches Monday and Tuesday.  With mudflows predicted in and around the Thomas Fire burn areas, amateur radio could prove, once again, to be a valuable resource for emergency communication and information.

See the message below from the SB County OEM and consider your preparations for the storm this week.  Are your HT and cell phone batteries charged?  Do you have a way to charge them if you lose power?  Do you have a way to monitor local broadcast radio and NOAA Weather Radio in the event of a power outage?  Do you have an escape plan should you need to leave your property because of flooding or debris flow?

All area radio amateurs should consider monitoring the K6TZ repeater 146.790- PL 131.8 during the storm.  Live audio from the repeater also streams online at sbarc.org.  You might also consider signing up for emergency text and email alerts from SB County Aware & Prepare: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736723794#/signup

LCM

Levi C. Maaia, K6LCM Director at Large | Co-Chair, Telecommunications Services Committee Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club, Inc.

www.levi.maaia.com +1.805.604.5384

Sunday January 7, 2018, 1:01 PM Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management

Advisory: Message from the Office of Emergency Management:

Dear LCM,

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH & WIND WATCH ARE IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING. AREAS IN AND BELOW RECENT BURN AREAS ARE MOST AT RISK.

The National Weather Service predicts heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flash flooding, mud and debris flows for parts of SB County from Monday afternoon to Tuesday evening, possibly longer. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH and a WIND WATCH have been issued for the SB County Mountains, the South Coast. There is a strong potential for flash flooding and mud and debris flows in and below the Thomas, Whittier, Alamo, Rey and Sherpa burn areas, and near creeks, streams, riverbeds, and low-lying areas.  Winds this strong may down trees and power lines, causing property damage or power outages. Cross winds can make driving difficult, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles and vehicles towing trailers. Highway 154 will likely be impacted by the strong winds. In addition, the strong winds could also cause considerable blowing ash across the recent burn areas in advance of the heavier rainfall. *If you are not sure if you are in or below a recent burn area, an interactive Flood/Debris Flow Risk Area Map is available at: http://countyofsb.org/%C2%A0. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can call 211 or (800) 400-1572 for more info. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Santa Barbara County residents, in or below the recently burned areas are urged to take the steps necessary to protect themselves and their property. Persons in the watch area should remain alert and follow directions of emergency preparedness officials. A High Wind Watch means that conditions are favorable for potentially damaging winds of 58 mph or greater. Be prepared to secure all loose outdoor furniture in advance of the onset of strong winds. Monitor the latest forecasts on NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite media source. Be prepared, stay alert to changing conditions, and take steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.  Residents can register to receive emergency notifications and alerts at www.AwareAndPrepare.org. Or, to receive limited alerts via text message, text your zip code to 888777. Storm preparedness information and an interactive Flood/Debris Flow Risk Area Map are available at: http://countyofsb.org/%C2%A0. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can call 211 or (800) 400-1572 for more info.

For full details, view this message on the web.

TEXT-A-TIP Text TIP  SBCOUNTYOEM followed by your message, to 888777  or  Submit an anonymous web tip For help, reply HELP to 888777. To cancel, reply STOP to 888777. No charge but Message & Data rates may apply. 2 messages. More info at nixle.com. AT&T, T-Mobile®, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and most other carriers are supported. Contact customer support at support@nixle.com.