As we head into the winter storm season, we encourage all to take a little time to prepare for potential heavy rain, upcoming high tides, and possible power outages.
Our location between the Pacific Ocean and the salt marsh presents some unique challenges, particularly when heavy rainfall and high tides occur together. While we continue to work with Santa Barbara County Flood Control and monitor our community infrastructure, there are a few simple steps we can all take to prepare properties.
One important first step: Sign up for ReadySBC Emergency Alerts to receive official Santa Barbara County emergency notifications. You can register your Sandyland Cove address even if you are not currently in residence.
1. Prepare Your Home Before the Storm
Clear drains and gutters. Remove leaves, debris, and other obstructions from gutters, downspouts, and drainage areas on your property.
Check doors and windows. Make sure exterior doors, windows, and garage doors close and seal properly.
Secure outdoor items. Bring in or secure patio furniture, umbrellas, cushions, planters, and anything that could be moved by strong winds or water.
Protect vulnerable areas. Consider sandbags or other temporary flood barriers near low-lying doors, garages, or areas that have experienced water intrusion in the past.
Move valuable items. Keep electronics, important documents, and valuable belongings off floors in areas susceptible to flooding.
Check your landscaping. Make sure loose branches, leaves, and landscaping materials are not likely to obstruct drainage during a storm.
2. If You Will Be in Residence
We recommend having enough essential supplies on hand for at least three days, preferably longer, in case power, utilities, or access to the community are temporarily disrupted.
Recommended Supplies
Drinking water — at least one gallon per person per day.
Nonperishable food
Flashlights, headlamps, and extra batteries.
Fully charged portable phone chargers or backup power banks.
Prescription medications and basic first aid supplies.
Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio.
Pet food, medications, and other necessary pet supplies.
Waterproof storage for important documents.
Sturdy shoes, rain gear, and warm clothing.
Vehicle fuel or adequate electric vehicle charge if travel becomes necessary.
A Few Additional Considerations
Know how to manually open your garage door during a power outage.
Keep phones and other essential devices charged when storms are forecast.
Have a plan for where you would go if leaving the community became necessary.
Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain or flooding, and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
Consider leaving before severe weather arrives if you are concerned about flooding or access to the community.
3. If You Will Be Away From Your Home
For homeowners who are not in residence during the winter months, a little advance preparation can make a significant difference.
In addition to the general property preparations above, we recommend:
Review automatic systems. Confirm that sump pumps, leak detectors, security systems, and other applicable equipment are functioning properly.
Plan for extended absences. Make sure someone can respond to urgent property issues, including leaks, drainage concerns, or power interruptions.
Update your contact information. Confirm that Sandyland Cove management has current phone numbers and email addresses for reaching you.
Sandyland Cove staff will continue to monitor community conditions and will share updates as we are able.
4. Stay Informed — Local Emergency Resources
We encourage every homeowner to become familiar with the following resources, which provide official information about storms, flooding, road conditions, and emergency preparedness.
Santa Barbara County
Register to receive official emergency notifications, including evacuation warnings and orders. You can register multiple Santa Barbara County addresses and receive alerts by phone, text, or email.
ReadySBC — Emergency Preparedness
County guidance on storm preparation, emergency supplies, household planning, and staying informed.
ReadySBC — Emergency Information
Current emergency information, official notifications, and resources for checking evacuation information.
Santa Barbara County — Road Closures
Information on reported county road closures. Private community roads may not appear on public closure maps.
City of Carpinteria
City of Carpinteria — Emergency Preparedness
Local emergency preparedness information, family planning resources, and recommendations for emergency supplies.
City of Carpinteria — Sandbag Station
The City provides a self-service sandbag station at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, behind the building near Public Works.
Bring a shovel and gloves if available, and plan to prepare sandbags before heavy rain arrives. Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Weather and Coastal Conditions
National Weather Service — Los Angeles/Oxnard
Official forecasts and weather alerts for heavy rain, flooding, high surf, strong winds, and coastal conditions.
Official tide predictions and water-level observations. Actual water levels can be higher than predicted during storms.
