Tsunami Awareness Week is celebrated annually March 24 – 30. City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Jason Levy, would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our community members to think ahead about natural disasters that can occur in our area.

Living along the beautiful coastline of Goleta comes with its unique set of perks and challenges, including the potential threat of tsunamis. While the risk might be lower compared to other coastal areas, preparedness is key to ensuring safety and minimizing impact. Here’s a practical guide to tsunami preparedness specifically tailored for Goleta residents.

First, it’s crucial to recognize tsunami hazard zones in your area. Many beaches in Goleta have posted tsunami evacuation route maps. Study these carefully and familiarize yourself with the routes.

Having a clear evacuation plan is essential. Make sure to know the routes to high ground or inland areas that can be reached on foot if necessary. Identify safe locations on higher ground and away from the coast, ensuring they are accessible in case of an emergency.

Staying connected with emergency alerts is important. Register for emergency alerts from the County of Santa Barbara (www.readysbc.org/) and emergency information the City of Goleta (https://tinyurl.com/goletaemergency) to stay informed about potential threats. Regularly check updates from trustworthy sources like the National Weather Service.

There are three alerts related to a tsunami:

• Tsunami Watch: A tsunami may later impact the area.
• Tsunami Advisory: A tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves is imminent, expected, or occurring.
• Tsunami Warning: A tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is imminent, expected, or occurring. Evacuations of identified tsunami inundation areas will be required.

Preparing an emergency kit is another critical step. Your kit should include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, important documents, and personal hygiene items. Additionally, have a smaller, portable go-bag ready in case you need to evacuate quickly.

Participate in disaster education courses and emergency preparedness training offered by the City of Goleta. Engaging in community preparedness initiatives helps you stay informed and ready. To learn about upcoming opportunities for emergency preparedness training and request a Community Disaster Education (CDE), please contact cert@cityofgoleta.org.

Be aware of the natural signs of a tsunami. A strong coastal earthquake could be a precursor to a tsunami. Also, be alert to sudden changes in sea level, such as a rapid rise or fall, and a loud ocean roar—these are natural tsunami warnings.

While Goleta is known for its picturesque coastal beauty, being aware and prepared for tsunamis is crucial for the safety of its residents. By understanding the risks, creating a robust emergency plan, staying informed, and actively participating in community education and safety initiatives, you can significantly reduce the potential impact of tsunamis.