Oceanside CA— Oceanside Fire Department and Lifeguards will host a Tsunami Preparedness booth at the base of the Oceanside Pier on Wednesday, March 23 and Friday, March 25, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
What is a Tsunami? A series of large ocean waves caused by sudden displacements in the sea floor, such as a major earthquake, landslide, or volcanic activity. As the waves enter shallow water near the coastlines, they slow down and may rise tens of feet, depending on the magnitude of the event. A tsunami can occur at any time and can strike any ocean shoreline.
As a result of the 9.3 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Sumatra on December 26, 2004, and previous damaging tsunamis that effected California’s coastlines, the Seismic Safety Commission created a Tsunami Safety Committee. The committee’s purpose is to evaluate the state of tsunami readiness in California.
Because of our proximity to the coastline, all should learn how to survive a tsunami before, during and after the event. TsunamiReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of a tsunami through planning, education and awareness.
To become a Tsunami Ready community, certain criteria must be met. The community must establish a 24-hour warning point and an Emergency Operations Center. They must have more than one way to receive tsunami warnings and disseminate the emergency alert to the public. They must also promote public readiness through community education and the distribution of information. The community must also develop a formal tsunami plan, which includes holding emergency exercises and drills.
Is Oceanside Tsunami Ready? On June 4, 2014, the City of Oceanside received recognition from the National Weather Service (NOAA) for its achievement in the planning for, training of, and education provided to the public about Tsunami preparedness. If you travel through the Harbor and along the coast of Oceanside, you will notice the signs which indicate the Tsunami Hazard zones, the Tsunami evacuation routes, and where the evacuation sites will be set up in the event of a tsunami warning.
During the week of March 20, 2016, the Fire Department and Lifeguards will participate in Tsunami Preparedness Week. They will be hosting a booth at the Oceanside Pier near the Tsunami/ Rip Current sign. The booth will be set up on March 23and 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Information will also be distributed around the Harbor to inform boaters and visitors. We invite everyone to stop by the booth to ask questions and pick up literature to gain more knowledge and aid you in becoming Tsunami Ready. For further information, please call (760) 435-4312 or visit the webpage.