District
is
Prepared for
Emergencies
Montecito Water
District is a founding member of the Montecito Emergency Response
and Recovery
Action Group (MERRAG), composed of water, fire and sanitary
districts, retirement residences, neighborhood associations,
businesses and schools. Since 1998, the community-wide MERRAG
group has responded to every sort of community emergency.
Power Outages
Backup generators situated at key facilities can provide
emergency power throughout the water system during power outages.
Water Supply
Problems and Shortages
Multiple District water supplies allow flexibility in
maintaining service even in the event of problems or shortages
with particular sources of water.
Vandalism and
Terrorism
The District is working closely with the Santa Barbara County
Sheriff and other law enforcement agencies to increase security,
vigilance and monitoring of facilities and water supplies. |
Water
and Fire Districts to
Replace Aging Fire Hydrants
|
Water District
General Manager Fred Adjarian and Fire Chief Ron McClain
are working cooperatively on Montecito's fire hydrant
program.
New High Capacity Hydrants
The Montecito Water District and the Fire Protection
District have recently joined forces in a multi-year
program to replace about 250, 1920s-era fire hydrants
with larger, high capacity hydrants.
The Fire District’s improved 4-inch hoses will be
able to match up with the new hydrants, eliminating the
need for fire engine crews to carry other equipment
needed to adapt to different diameter outlets. |
Fire Fighting and Insurance
Benefits
The new hydrants provide increased and more
efficient water flows, and allow faster hookup times to
fire engines. An added long-term benefit of the program
may be an improvement in the local fire insurance
rating. "The new hydrants will improve the safety
of citizens and protect property throughout the
community," said water district General Manager
Fred Adjarian.
Cooperative Program
The Fire District will spend about $80,000 each year
of the expected duration of the replacement program. The
Water District is providing engineering and construction
management services for the project. This work
complements the Water District’s ongoing $14 million
Capital Improve- ment Program to enhance water service
and fire protection throughout the area.
Questions about the program should be directed to
Fred Adjarian, General Manager, at 969-2271.
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