By Daily Press staff
In light of the recent earthquakes, Santa Monica emergency officials are on guard and working to prepare citizens for appropriate emergency response.
City Hall recently issued the following information regarding tsunamis and earthquakes: A tsunami is a series of waves that can be generated by an earthquake or a landslide. The time it takes for a tsunami to reach land depends on when and where the earthquake or landslide occurs.
A tsunami caused by an earthquake a few miles off the coast is called a “locally generated” tsunami. It will arrive within a few minutes of the quake. Coastal community residents probably will feel such an earthquake. The earthquake might be the only warning of an approaching tsunami, so it is important to respond quickly.
A tsunami caused by large earthquakes centered near Alaska and other distant parts of the Pacific Ocean is a “distant source” tsunami. The first waves from one of these events will take several hours to reach the Southern California coastline, and federal (National Weather Service) or state (OES or California Integrated Seismic Network) authorities will issue a tsunami alert or a tsunami warning.
In Santa Monica, much of the city is protected from the devastating effects of tsunamis by the Palisades Bluffs along the Pacific Coast Highway. The bluffs provide protection for most of the populated area located north of the Santa Monica Pier.
Areas not protected by the bluffs include areas located between the bluffs and the ocean, as well as the areas south of the pier. In those specific areas, residents are advised to evacuate one-fourth of a mile (four blocks) inland in the event of a tsunami evacuation or strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more.
All scientific research indicates that the largest possible tsunami inundation is about 30 feet. Los Angeles County officials recommend 40 feet as the maximum inundation level. This means that in the event of a tsunami, the sea level would be expected to rise no more than 40 feet, so a quarter-mile evacuation is recommended for those in areas below the bluffs and south of the pier.
What to do: ■ If you feel an earthquake, drop, cover and hold until the shaking stops. Remember, the earthquake might be the only warning of an approaching tsunami, so it is important to respond quickly, and not wait for an official warning. ■ In the event of a tsunami evacuation, people in Santa Monica will be notified by a number of sources. The Los Angeles County lifeguards are responsible for making notifications along the beach and will use vehicles and aircraft to notify the public. City emergency personnel will use vehicles including police, fire, public works and others to notify the public of evacuation orders, aided by telephone trees and other information avenues, including the city of Santa Monica Web site and “City Hall on Call” (458-8999). City officials also will rely on local media to notify the public. ■ If you are on the beach or near the beach, move inland one-fourth of a mile to higher ground. ■ Turn off any active heating or cooking appliance but don’t take the time to turn off gas or electric service. ■ If you are able, walk rather than drive out of harm’s way. This will reduce the likelihood of traffic congestion. ■ Use common sense. Do not go to the coast to see a tsunami if an alert or warning has been issued. If you are on the beach following an earthquake, and you see the water receding in a manner that is not normal, quickly make your way to higher ground. ■ Stay away from coastal areas until the all clear is given by designated safety officials.
The following are safe refuges and evacuation centers: ■ Santa Monica High School — 601 Pico Blvd. ■ John Muir Elementary School — 721 Ocean Park Blvd. ■ Roosevelt Elementary School — 801 Montana Ave. ■ Santa Monica College — 1900 Pico Blvd.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 25, 2005. Read the original PDF.