Tsunami Preparedness

March 23, 2024 marks the start of Tsunami Week in California. If you live, visit, work, or travel near a coastline, you need to know what to do in the event of a tsunami. Listed below are some great resources for more information:

State tsunami website for tsunami mitigation, information, and inspiration: tsunami.ca.gov

• The California Tsunami Preparedness Guide provides background information on California’s updated Tsunami Hazard Area maps.

• 2011 Tohoku remembrance story maps:

  • California Remembers the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Part 1

  • Japan Impacts from the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami, Part 2

  • California Impacts from the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami, Part 3

Wildfire Preparedness

The significant increase in wildfire season length, wildfire frequency, and burned area in recent years serve as a reminder that we all need to be informed and prepared for emergencies and disasters. Take this time to review this information, make a plan and discuss options with your family and friends.

Evacuation WARNING vs. an Evacuation ORDER: What’s the Difference

• Evacuation Warning: If you receive an evacuation warning, this means you need to start preparing to leave. If you have animals, children, or need additional time evacuating, this is the time to leave.

• Evacuation Order: If you receive an evacuation order, this means you need to leave immediately. Emergency responders have determined there is an imminent life safety risk and you need to evacuate.

Always remember, you don’t have to wait to evacuate. If you feel unsafe, LEAVE.

Create an Evacuation Plan

• Have multiple routes out of your neighborhood and have a hard copy map with your identified routes. Discuss where you will meet family or friends if you are separated.

• Make sure you have at least half a tank of gas in your car.

• Identify where you will go once you evacuate. Right now, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, it may be better to evacuate to a friend or loved one’s house than a designated shelter or hotel, although approved shelters are following CDC guidelines.

• Create a Go-Bag with the following at a minimum:

  • Map

  • Medications

  • Change of Clothes

  • Extra set of keys

  • Glasses/Contact Lenses

  • First-aid

  • Shoes

  • Phone Chargers

  • Food and Water

  • Copies of ID, Credit Cards, Passports, Important Documents

  • Cash in small bills

  • Flashlights (with working batteries)

  • Hard Drives/Flash-Drive

  • Family Photos/Comfort Items

  • Sanitation Supplies (include masks)

  • Activities for Children

  • Create a separate bag for pets-include a leash and vaccine records.

• Mitigate your risk by following proper brush clearance laws around your home, installing smoke detectors (or ensuring the batteries are working), having a fire extinguisher, and identifying 2-ways out of every room in your home. 

  Make a Quick Checklist 

  Make a quick checklist and post near your exit routes around your home (front door, back door, etc.). Here is a quick checklist to get you started. Make sure to list the location of items to help you in high-stress situations. It's also a good conversation starter to have with your family now in a safe, non-scary environment.  

  If I Have No Time

  • People and Pets

  • Go-Bag (with SHOES)

  If I have 5-Minutes

  • Medications (list location)

  • Glasses (location)

  • Laptop/Cell Phone/Chargers (location)

  • Essential Medical Equipment (if applicable and location)

  If I have 30-Minutes (in addition to the above)

  • Photo Albums

  • Family Portraits

  • Stuffed Animals (comfort items)

  • Change of Clothing (for everyone) 

  More preparedness information can be found at https://lacounty.gov/emergency/emergency-survival-guide/