The Alcazar hosts El Niño Prep Forum
CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) The Alcazar hosted a free Carpinteria Community Spotlight on El Niño Disaster Preparation.
Carpinteria Vallery Radio hosts Dennis Mitchell and Bryan Mootz emceed the event.
Speakers included Carpinteria-Summerland Fire officials, Carpinteria city staff members, Police Chief of Services in the City of Carpinteria Lt. Rich Brittingham, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Roy Lee and News Channel reporter John Palminteri.
Palminteri said he has seen Super El Niño, Godzilla El Niño in print and on social media even though it hasn't rained that much.
He plans to call it like he see it without the grand names.
"I do get out there boots on the ground at any hour of any day at any location to try to give you the real scene," said Palminteri.
Many of the speakers suggested the recent record-breaking high tides are reminder of the severe storms likely to follow.
The El Niño climate pattern involving warm ocean water creates a perfect storm of conditions that could make this a wet winter.
Thanks to mutual aid and cooperation it will be all hands on deck preparing and responding.
"People need to sign up and be prepared for the upcoming storms and I encourage everyone to sign up for http://readysbc.org that way our OEM (Office of Emergency Management) can communicate about what is happening," said Lee.
"I know we have had a lot of runs here I've been doing this a long time and we have had a lot of evacuations and warnings and nothing happens, but you've just got to be safe, it is not worth not paying attention to the messages being sent out," said Lt. Brittingham.
On November first Carpinteria Public Works will start building a sand berm to protect low lying area.
Residents are welcome to get sandbags at a sandbag station by Carpinteria City Hall.
"If you want to prep your sand bags now and keep them on your patio or in your garage, ready to go that is an excellent way to get prepared now," said Carpinteria Public Information Officer Juliza Briones.
Firefighters said get to know your neighbors.
Fire Marshal Mike LoMonico urged people to learn how to shut off your gas, electricity and water in case of emergency.
The forum also covered a long list of items that could be put in a go-bag including dollar bills, water, food, batteries, flashlights, colorful clothing.
They also recommend having half a tank of gas, good tires and new windshield wipers.
If everyone is prepared it will help the whole community
The forum will be available to view on SBTV.
For more information visit https:thealcazar.org
