Big Sur prepares for rain, flooding

While rain is a welcome sight here in California, communities near the Soberanes Fire burn scar could face a serious threat of flooding. The soil that was burned and scarred has a tough time absorbing rainfall and emergency officials want everyone to be prepared.

Big Sur residents have gotten the message.

“I’m very concerned. We could have a flood, if not this time, sooner or later,” said Dianne Miller, a resident of Palo Colorado in Big Sur.

When it comes to staying informed about emergencies, social media seems to work best.

“Any help that there is from the officials that can warn people and help people get ready is good,” said Miller.

But the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services is working to go beyond social media to keep the public informed and safe.

“We have to be really vigilant and we’re trying to get information out to people really early so it has the ability to trickle down through the communities,” said Emergency Planner Dick Bower.

Using a new approach this year, the agency is sending an informational message before any watches or warnings are issued. Sort of a heads up for the heads up.

“We want you to know it’s happening so you can take some steps to be ready just in case we have to elevate this,” said Bower.

Emergency Services plans to use this new approach for any future emergency situations anywhere in the county.