Santa Cruz County refines debris flow map

SANTA CRUZ >> Residents living in and near burns scars caused by the CZU August Lightning Complex fire are urged by Santa Cruz County to review the latest debris flow evacuation zones.

An update and refinement of debris flow evacuation zone maps is available at community. zonehaven.com.

The update, according to the county, removes approximately 300 residences from the evacuation zone and is based on mapping refinements and a reassessment of risk levels including whether residents are likely to lose access to homes during a debris flow event.

Debris flows, county officials have explained, pose a risk in hilly or sloped areas following large fires, when periods of intense rainfall can cause large mudflows carrying debris, trees, boulders and more.

Residents within and below the CZU Lightning Complex fire burn scar should be prepared to evacuate prior to powerful storms expected to meet certain benchmarks for rainfall intensity, according to the county.

Should evacuations be necessar y, Santa Cr uz County officials urge residents to take this risk seriously. All residents within the updated evacuated areas should be prepared to leave, or, if property access only would be impacted, should maintain adequate supplies to shelter in place for an extended duration.

Debris flows can lead to property damage and loss of road access, and rescues by public safety personnel may not be possible. County public safety and emergency management staff will make evacuation determinations with the safety of residents as the highest priority.

For more information, visit santacruzcounty.us.

Regardless of their risk level, all residents should sign up for emergency alerts. Visit scr911.org or text “SCR911” to 99411 to sign up.

Residents should also download the CodeRed app for their smartphones.

In advance of any rain events, residents are also advised to tune in to local news, utilize weather radios or follow county social media to stay up to date on the latest information.