Full Notification

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued wind advisory for the Santa Barbara south coast, including Montecito beginning at 3 PM today. Please monitor their website for continual updates.

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/

PLEASE NOTE that you will see, and hear on the news, that Santa Ana Winds are predicted, Fire Weather Watches, and Red Flag alerts have also been issued, but as of this time (11/30/11 at 11:00 AM) these are for areas SOUTH of Montecito. (These reports are covered because our local news stations report for locations as far south as Oxnard, and as far north as San Luis Obispo.)

This link has some information on the difference between Santa Ana Winds, and Sundowner Winds.

http://www.montecitofire.com/blog/index.htm?_rid=1215304475402201&blog=detail

To prepare for wind events, bring in lightweight patio furniture and secure any outdoor objects that may blow away.

Keep flashlights on hand, as wind events often cause downed trees, which in turn fall on electrical wires often causing arcing and power outages. When this occurs, report the arcing wires or downed power lines by calling 9-1-1.

Power outages should NOT be reported to 9-1-1, unless there are arcing wires, or wires down. Notifications regarding power outages should be made to directly to Southern California Edison Outage Center: 800-611-1911.

Also make sure any of your necessary technological devices (cell phones, ipads, computers, etc) are fully charged. It is also a good idea to unplug any electronic equipment that you don't need to prevent damage from potential power surges.

Be Safe!

Geri Ventura
805-969-2537
[email protected]