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Preparedness is a form of care.

A practical guide for Santa Barbara and Montecito homeowners, free to use whether or not you ever work with us. Official sources come first.

In an emergency, call 911

Evacuation orders and emergency alerts come from the County of Santa Barbara, not from us. Canari Home is not an emergency service.

Current National Weather Service alerts · Santa Barbara County

Coastal Flood Advisory

Coastal Flood Advisory issued October 26 at 10:00AM PDT until October 29 at 1:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

Issued Mon, Oct 26, 10:00 AM PDT · Until Thu, Oct 29, 1:00 PM PDT

Checked Mon, Oct 26, 10:14 AM PDT. Full details at the National Weather Service.

This season

El Niño is in place this winter.

On October 8, 2026, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center reported that El Niño is strengthening and is likely to stay strong through early 2027. El Niño raises the odds of a wetter winter in Southern California. It does not guarantee any particular storm, which is why preparing early matters more than reacting late.

Source: NOAA Climate Prediction Center ENSO discussion

Official resources

Storm-readiness checklist

Before the rains.

Work through what applies to your home. Most of it is an afternoon; some of it is a call to the right tradesperson.

Roof and gutters

  • Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris, then run a hose to confirm they flow.
  • Make sure downspouts discharge well away from the foundation.
  • Have missing or cracked tiles, lifted shingles and gaps in flashing repaired before the rains.
  • Check around skylights, vents and chimneys for worn seals.

Drainage around the home

  • Clear yard drains, catch basins and culverts, and confirm water runs through them.
  • Make sure soil, mulch and hardscape slope away from the house.
  • Note where water pooled last winter and deal with those spots first.
  • Keep sandbags on hand for low doorways and the garage. Sandbags are not pre-filled at most stations, so plan ahead.

Trees, slopes and creeks

  • Have a certified arborist look at large trees near the house, especially dead limbs or leaning trunks.
  • Keep debris out of drainage channels on your property. Check with the County before any work in a creek.
  • If you live near a creek or a burn area, know your evacuation zone and route through ReadySBC.

Doors, windows and outdoors

  • Check weatherstripping and caulking on doors and windows; clear window wells.
  • Secure or store outdoor furniture, umbrellas and anything that can blow or float away.
  • Move vehicles out of low spots and away from large trees when a storm is forecast.

Plumbing and utilities

  • Find the main water shutoff and make sure it turns. Do the same for the gas shutoff, and keep the right wrench nearby.
  • Test sump pumps and any backflow devices.
  • Keep flashlights and batteries where you can find them in the dark. Run generators outdoors only, never in a garage.

Inside the home

  • Photograph each room and major belongings for insurance, and keep the files somewhere other than the house.
  • Move important documents and valuables off floors that could take on water.
  • Ask your insurance agent whether you have flood coverage. Most standard homeowners policies do not include it.

If you’ll be away this winter

  • Leave a key with someone local who can check the home after a storm.
  • Give them your shutoff locations and the numbers of the people who work on the home.
  • Register the property’s address with ReadySBC Alerts, not just your own location.
  • Consider inexpensive leak sensors near water heaters, washers and sinks.

If you’d like help

We can walk your home before the rains.

We can look over your home and coordinate local trades for the items above, as our schedule allows. This is a paid service and is separate from emergency help. If we can’t get to you in time, we’ll tell you honestly and point you to someone who can.

Ask about a readiness visit

Last reviewed October 12, 2026. This guide is general information, not professional advice for your property.