Santa Barbara and Ventura County Flooding : Safety and Mitigation Tips for Flooding of Businesses, Homes, and Vehicles
QWIKRESPONSE UPDATE ON RESPONSE TO FLOODING, AS OF JANUARY 9TH, 2023
We are working quickly to help as many residents as possible. Please call our emergency 24/7 number daily — (805) 962-6626 — to see if availability has opened up. Most importantly, STAY SAFE and follow the latest updates. Never drive through flooded areas, and listen to authorities if evacuations are mandatory in your area.
photo courtesy of Noozhawk
SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA FLOODING IS AFFECTING MANY HOMES
If your house is flooding, it's important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your property. Here are some tips on what to do in this situation:
If possible, try to divert water from entering your home. Some ideas are to use plastic barriers or other items to divert or damn the water outside of your home. This option is more effective than dealing with water after it has entered your home thru cracks or windows.
If water has entered your home, do your best to sop up moisture with towels, blankets or sandbags.
If you are advised to evacuate or you feel that your safety is at risk, leave your home immediately. Do not wait for the water to rise.
Turn off utilities: If you are able to, turn off the electricity and gas to your home to prevent fires or explosions.
Move valuables to higher ground: If it is safe to do so, move valuables, important documents, and sentimental items to a higher level in your home to protect them from floodwater.
Turn off water supply: If possible, turn off your main water supply to prevent additional water from entering your home.
Document the damage: Take photographs or videos of the damage to your home and property for insurance purposes.
Don't touch electricity: If your house is flooded with water, stay away from any electrical sources, appliances or electrical equipment.
Keep an emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit ready in case of an emergency, including important documents, phone numbers, water, food, first aid, flash lights and batteries.
Seek shelter: If your home is uninhabitable, seek shelter with friends, family, or at a designated emergency shelter.
Call for help: Contact emergency services and your insurance company as soon as possible.
You may also find the information on our water damage page helpful.
photo courtesy of Noozhawk
santa barbara, ventura & santa maria’s flooding is all too familiar from five years ago when we were helping as many families as possible by responding to emergency calls.
If you are waiting to see a professional, and it is safe to do so, try to dry areas with fans and dehumidifiers. We are working to respond as quickly and safely as possible.
IF YOU ARE ADVISED TO EVACUATE YOUR HOME DUE TO FLOODING IN SANTA BARBARA, SANTA MARIA, OR VENTURA COUNTIES, DO SO WITHOUT DELAY
Keep these tips in mind if you have to leave your property due to flooding in Santa Barbara or Ventura counties.
Stay informed: Keep track of weather forecasts and updates from local authorities. This will help you stay aware of any potential flood warnings and take appropriate action.
Be prepared: Make sure you have emergency supplies on hand, such as a flashlight, extra batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food. It's also a good idea to have a plan in place in case you need to evacuate your home.
Protect your property: If a flood watch is issued, take steps to protect your property. This may include moving valuable items to a higher level, sandbagging around your home, and shutting off power and gas to your home.
Avoid floodwaters: Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose your balance and fall, and just two feet of water can carry away most vehicles. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route.
Be aware of the risk of flash flooding: Flash floods can occur quickly and with little warning, so it's important to be aware of the risks and take appropriate action. If you're in an area prone to flash floods, consider moving to higher ground.
Keep an eye on streams, creeks, and rivers: Flooding often starts in small streams and creeks before spreading to larger rivers, so keep an eye on these bodies of water as well.
Don't drive through floodwaters: Avoid driving through flooded areas and never attempt to drive through moving water.
Do not touch electric equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
It is very important to not hesitate to call for help or emergency services, if you are in doubt, they will be able to guide and assist you. Keep in mind that safety always comes first and it's important to follow any instructions and advice provided by local authorities during a flood.
photo courtesy of Noozhawk
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY FLOODING?
Although we do not specialize in vehicle damage, we understand many vehicles are flooded in Santa Barbara and Ventura currently. If your vehicle is flooded, it's important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your vehicle. Here are some tips on what to do in this situation:
Evacuate the vehicle: If you're in the vehicle when it becomes flooded, get out as quickly and safely as possible. Floodwater can be extremely dangerous, and even just a few inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose stability and float away.
Don't start the engine: If water has entered the engine compartment, attempting to start the engine can cause serious damage.
Don't use the electrical systems: If water has entered the vehicle's interior, avoid using the electrical systems, including the headlights, radio, and heater.
Document the damage: Take photographs or videos of the damage to your vehicle for insurance purposes.
Move the vehicle to higher ground: If it is safe to do so, move the vehicle to higher ground to prevent additional damage.
Call your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the flood damage and begin the claims process.
Assess the damage: Wait until the water recedes before trying to assess the damage to your vehicle. even if it appears that water has not entered the interior or engine compartment, water can still cause damage in various systems and parts.
Have the vehicle inspected: Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before attempting to drive it again. Even if the water has not entered the engine compartment, the water may have damaged the ignition system, transmission or other critical components.
Clean and dry the vehicle: Once the water has receded, clean and dry the vehicle to prevent mold and rust from forming.
Keep in mind that driving through flooded areas is dangerous and can be life-threatening, and it is always better to avoid them. In case of being caught in one, follow the safety instructions provided by authorities.