NEWS RELEASE — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA BARBARA, Ca. December 21, 2010 – As part of storm preparedness, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBC FD) the Office of Emergency Services (OES), the National Weather Service (NWS), and other county and city officials, held a conference call today to discuss the potential of a significant rain event for tonight and tomorrow across Central and Southern California.. Included in this call were operational area fire departments to discuss each department’s state of readiness and resource availability.

SBC FD resources are ready to respond should an event take place. SBC FD officials are monitoring the current weather conditions and the potential for extreme weather conditions in the coming days. SBC FD resources that are currently available are:

• Helicopter 309: equipped with a hoist and rescue swimmers

•Water Rescue Team: equipped with water craft and rescue swimmers

•Crew One: consisting of a 10 person crew quipped with a chain saws, a chipper, and dump truck

•Heavy Equipment: including a dozer and loader

• All 16 SBC FD engine companies are trained in shore based water rescue.

The need for increased staffing levels is evaluated each day based on briefings by the National Weather Service (NWS). At any time, SBC FD can increase staffing levels to the point of having a Storm Task Force in place should weather conditions warrant. Today, the NWS is reporting a second storm that is expected to produce significant rainfall rates, gusty winds, and thunder storms tonight through tomorrow.

Additionally, sand bags can found at the following Santa Barbara County Locations:

North County / Santa Maria Road Yard located on Foster Road

Santa Ynez at Airport / County Fire Station 32

County Fire Station 14, 320 N. Los Carneros in Goleta

The County Yard at the Transfer Station, 4430 Calle Real