Mountain Drive

Painted Cave

Paradise Canyon

San Marcos Pass

San Marcos Trout Club

Rosario Park

RADIO FREQUENCIES

SMPVFD CALLS FOR SERVICE



WRA MEMBERSHIP

Family: $75
Individual: $35
Organization: $150

Sponsor: $500

Remit ot Dean May, CFO
Wildland Residents Association, Inc.

5655 West Camino Cielo

Santa Barbara, CA 93105

805-964-7194
805-967-6727 fax

Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council




A STRONG AND UNITED VOICE




(((EPIC)))

The Mountain Drive Volunteer Fire Company was formed after the disastrous 1964 Coyote Fire and went through various periods of activity until the Mountain Drive Community Association was formed in 1984. This California State non-profit corporation has managed the Company through its board of directors and appointed Fire Chief. Under it's auspices, the Mountain Drive VFD came under the umbrella of the Wildland Residents' Association, Inc. as an associate member. The WRA's communications system, training programs, financial assistance, and community outreach has helped the company reach today's strength of 10 firefighters and a Type-IV brush engine. The company provides the "self help" concept to the services it provides the local community.

The company's original goals were to prevent/extinguish "starts", educate residents about wildfire hazard reduction & evacuation considerations, and establish a liaison with local agencies.

We believe that our visual presence during weekly public roadside training has been an important factor in bringing "starts" down to almost zero. We have been very active in evaluating individual residences and water storage systems and advising on fuel modification around structures and access. For over a decade we have shared radio communications and classroom and field joint-training with Montecito Fire District personnel, as well as with other local agencies. Additionally, MDCA board members have served on local fire-related boards including the Montecito Fire Protection District as well as being founding members of MERRAG and the Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council.

The Company's training continues to focus on wildfire tactics with particular emphasis on key safety issues relating to fire behavior, driving, roadway, and evacuation traffic hazards. We do not respond to structure fires, except to protect exposures, nor to medical or HazMat calls.

Our principal equipment consists of a 4wd 11/2 ton pickup with a 100gpm pump (w/ foam capability) on a built-in 300gallon tank. It includes three principal attack lines and two resupply lines with hand tools and extra hose sufficient to qualify the truck as a Type-IV engine.

Contacts
Henry Childs, Chief 805-969-3739
Peter Burgess, Assistant Chief 805-963-2759

Mountain Drive Community Association, Inc.
Abe Powell, President
1510 West Mountain Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Montecito Fire Protection District - MTO
Ron McClain, Fire Chief
595 San Ysidro Road
Montecito, CA 93108-2125
805-969-3598, 969-3598 fax

EVACUATION INFORMATION

When threatened by a fast moving wildfire, you should gather your family and leave immediately. Do not wait. Execute your evacuation plan.

Do not panic. Keep alternate routes in mind as a backup should your primary rout become blocked. Know the location of clear or defensible areas in your immediate community if you have to flee suddenly.

Time is a major factor in determining which, if any, of the following activities can be completed. In an immediately encroaching wildfire, you should grab your family and leave immediately. If time permits, you should consider the following:

1. PARK VEHICLES HEADED OUT. Leave keys in ignition. Close car windows. Close garage door but leave it unlocked.
2. DO NOT BLOCK THE ROAD.
3. Locate and pack pets in carriers.
4. Pack irreplaceable, important documents.
5. Keep radio and scanner tuned to emergency stations for reports and evacuation information.
6. Shut propane tank valve which is located on top of the tank.
7. Close all windows, skylights, interior and exterior doors. This will block circulation of air and movement of fire from room to room.  Do not lock.
8. Remove lightweight curtains if possible. Close heavy drapes and blinds.
9. Place ladders against front of house, or away from advancing fire.
10. Check hose connections and water pressure.
11. Fill all available containers with water.
12. Place metal covers on trash containers.
13. Nail plywood covers over windows and vents.
14. Move lawn furniture indoors. Pull combustible furniture away from windows.
15. Put tin foil on inside of windows to reflect heat away from house.
16. Turn on all lights in the house, on the porch, in the garden and in the yard. This will enable fire fighters to spot your property at night.
17. Set lawn sprinkler on roof, connect hose, but do not turn no until you see burning embers begin to fall. Conserve water and water pressure for those who are in more immediate danger. If your roof is nonflammable, as they all should be on the mountain, this procedure should not be necessary.

Evacuation

1. Check with immediate neighbors on your way out. Honk horn, alert others. Evacuate neighbors pets or open gates and enclosure. Use your judgment as to the safest way these animals will survive.
2. Offer to take neighbors children, pets and irreplaceable if they are staying to fight the fire. Arrange a meeting place.
3. If there is time, check with the Volunteer Fire Department or Auxiliary so they do not waste time trying to locate and evacuate your later.
4. Leave the area quickly but do not speed. Drive safely. It is very important that you do not block the roads.

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MONTECITO FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

ARE YOU READY FOR THE
NEXT WILDLAND FIRE?

The Montecito Fire Protection District wants you to be
aware of our wildland fire dangers and actions you can
take to protect your home and/or business.

This is a critical time of year regarding wildland FIRE DANGER! Did you know that wildland fires in Santa Barbara County have killed 12 people and destroyed over 1,060 structures in the past 40 years? We must be ready for the possibility of another fire threatening our community!

Remove flammable vegetation 100’ around the perimeter of all structures.
More clearance may be needed if your home is located on or near a slope.
Replace shake shingle/wood roofing. Combustible roofing should be removed to help protect your home and neighbors. Homes with combustible roofing significantly contribute to the fire spread in our community. Clean leaves from gutters and roof area. Survey and repair attic and sub floor vent screens such that corrosion resistant mesh no larger than 1/4 inch is securely covering all exterior ventilation openings. Road and driveway access: Take a careful look at your driveway and neighborhood roads! Can fire equipment access your area during an emergency or evacuation? Vertical and horizontal clearance is a must. Roadways must be free of all obstructions, allowing for a 13’6” vertical
clearance and no horizontal obstructions. In most circumstances, this clearance work is the responsibility of the property owner. Remove combustibles from around your home and beneath decks (woodpiles, plastic storage containers, etc.). Remove dead ornamental vegetation from around your home–ornamentals, particularly mature specimens, will burn.

Helpful Websites: www.firewise.org/ www.firesafecouncil.org/ www.prefire.ucfpl.ucop.edu/ www.montecitofire.com

From the Montecito Fire Department:

1. Do you have a disaster kit in your home (that would accommodate the appropriate number of people in the house for 3 to 5 days)?

2. Do you have a disaster kit in your car?

At our last MERRAG meeting, we discussed the need for having (and maintaining) a home disaster kit. It was made abundantly clear from the response to Hurricane Katrina, that the government (local, state AND federal) have great difficulty providing the necessary items to survive during and immediately following a disaster. This was a statement made today, during the special congressional panel set up to investigate the catastrophes that occurred during Hurricane Katrina.

"Americans themselves must play a more active role in preparing for natural disasters and not expect more from the government than it can deliver."

What are you doing for YOURSELF, to prepare for survival from any given disaster? Here in Santa Barbara, we face, earthquakes, flash flooding, firestorms, and possibly tsunami's just to name a few. Maybe a tsunami is a stretch, maybe not. We also face the threat of terrorism, which could include the threat of biological and chemical attacks.

In any event, are you prepared to evacuate with a minimum of 72 hours worth of supplies at a moments notice? Many of the people affected because of Hurricane Katrina may have done a lot better if they'd have had a disaster kit to take with them when they left their homes. Even those who were on the road for 24 hours+ while they evacuated Galveston, Texas for Hurricane Rita would have fared better if they'd have had a disaster kit with them. I saw time and time again, people complaining in TV interviews about having no water or food while they were stuck in traffic.

How can we learn from these mistakes?

Your kit should (probably) be portable. I have seen it recommended to use a trash barrel for your supplies, (particularly when speaking of earthquakes) but if you were told to evacuate for a fire, or any other reason, how easy would it be to hurk a trash barrel in your vehicle (along with your family and pets???) I have mine in a large (albeit probably too heavy for me to carry by myself for a long distance) duffel bag. We also have back packs with extra clothing for each family member. PLUS I have a separate kit in my car with me at all times.

Here is a list of some basics that you should have in your own disaster kit from the Red Cross website:

There are six basics you should stock for your home in the case of an emergency:

• Water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions.
• Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Below is a comprehensive list of what should be included in your kit – recommended items are marked with an asterisk(*).

Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffle bag.

Water

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).

My kit has a Steripen UV water filter in it. This way, I can easily sanitize any water we can gather. They sell for between $150-$200. I also have nalgene water bottles and water bottles Pre-Filter made by Steripen that will filter out what I call the "floaties". You'll have to get over the fact that it isn't going to taste like sparkletts. If you have to resort to using a water filter, you will be happy just to HAVE water!

Remember additional water sources such as your water heater and toilet. If the event is predicted (i.e. flooding or storms etc) consider filling your sinks and bathtubs ahead of time. That way if water lines are damaged or broken, you will have fresh water still.)

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juices
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
High energy foods
Vitamins
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods

I have MRE's (Meals ready to eat) in my kit. They are compact, lightweight, require no cooking, and are high in nutritional value. PLUS they have a very long shelf life. Once again, If you have to resort to using food from your kit, you will be happy just to HAVE food, however, these come in many flavors, and really aren't that bad. (Much better than they had in the military when they were first used.) If you "goggle" the term "meals ready to eat" you will find hundreds of vendors.

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes.
(1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing.
(1) conforming roller gauze bandage.
(2) triangular bandages.
(2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
(2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
(1) roll 3" cohesive bandage.
(2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
(6) antiseptic wipes.
(2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
Adhesive tape, 2" width.
Antibacterial ointment.
Cold pack.
Scissors (small, personal).
Tweezers.
CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.

Nonprescription Drugs

Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
Emergency preparedness manual
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Cash or traveler's checks, change (This is VERY important! Chances are that the power will be out if it is a widespread disaster. ATM's don't work, and credit card machines don't work without power or phone lines!) I have $300 in $5's and $10's. ($100 per person) I figure 20's may be hard to break. It's easier to lose a dollar or two because they can't make change than $15!
Non-electric can opener, utility knife
Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
Tube tent
Pliers
Tape (DUCT)
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shutoff wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

Toilet paper, towelettes (Baby wipes can come in compact containers and be used for multiple purposes!)
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
Clothing and Bedding
*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

Sturdy shoes or work boots
Rain gear
Blankets or sleeping bags
Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses

Special Items

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
Pet Food
For Baby*
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
For Adults*
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
Entertainment (based on the ages of family members)
Games (cards) and books
Keep in mind, that if you put electronic games in your kits, include batteries!

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
Passports, social security cards, immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and companies
Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags.
Again, if those who fled during Katrina had these documents with them, (even though their homes or property might have been destroyed) having these documents with them would sure speed up the process for them to make claims and get reimbursements when the time comes. Imagine if they kept all their documents in a safe deposit box at the neighborhood bank. Chances are, if their home was destroyed, the bank probably didn't fair well either. How easy would it be for YOU to recreate or gather up these documents if your home, bank or county building you THOUGHT kept all the records was destroyed. Here in SB, what would you do if 105 E. Anapamu and/or 1100 Anacapa Street were destroyed by a disaster? (Assessors office and courthouse) Yes, they probably have duplicate records kept somewhere for disaster recovery, but how long will that take to get back in place?
If you are fleeing or evacuating a condition that makes it impossible to return to your home, (wildfire!?!) these records can be as important as food and water!
Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.

Back to my original questions:

1. Do you have a disaster kit in your home (that would accommodate the appropriate number of people in the house for 3 to 5 days)?

2. Do you have a disaster kit in your car?

Thanks and BE SAFE!