Crime & Safety

Residents Urged to Prep for Tsunami

A tsunami is unlikely to hit Newport Beach, according to city officials, but residents need to be prepared to help each other deal with the aftermath in case it ever happens.

Though it’s unlikely a large tsunami, like the one that devastated Japan in 2011, will ever happen in Newport Beach, the Newport Beach Fire Department wants to make sure residents are prepared to help each other survive.

More than 50 residents attended an Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Workshop Thursday night in Newport Beach. Matt Brisbois, the NBFD's life safety specialist, told the crowd if a large earthquake or tsunami struck, the city's 720 employees won't have the capacity to take care of everyone.

"We are pushing for neighbors being able to help neighbors because the reality is that our employees, police and firefighters won't be able to help all 88,000 residents," Brisbois explained. "And that's not counting if there are visitors in town that day."

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A big reason for the need to be prepared in Newport Beach, is because about 40,000 residents live in the pre-identified tsunami inundation area. The low-lying areas include the Newport Harbor area, Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, Upper Newport Bay, Corona del Mar State Beach, Lido Isle and Linda Isle. If Newport Beach had a tsunami, the inundation areas would be evacuated, although Brisbois said some residents might choose to stay put.

"We can't force residents to evacuate and, sadly enough, I don't know how many would heed the advice," Brisbois said. "I still don't understand why after the Japan tsunami a lot of people went to the Balboa pier to watch."

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Newport Beach is vulnerable to many unexpected disasters, so it's essential for residents to always stay prepared, said Katie Eing, the department's emergency services coordinator. The number one threat is an earthquake, and a tsunami is number 11. Other threats include hurricanes and flooding.

"Right after something like the tsunami in Japan happens people start getting prepared, but after awhile they forget about these threats," Eing said. "This is just a reminder to be ready and prepared at all times. It's just a matter of time before a big earthquake or tsunami hits."

In order for residents to be able to survive an emergency such as a tsunami and earthquake and assist others if a disaster strikes, Brisbois said everyone should know basic first aid, CPR, know how to conduct light search and rescue operations and know how to use a fire extinguisher.

And if you have a pet, don't forget to make a plan.

Brisbois said Newport Beach has more than 50,000 registered dogs and cats and owners need to be able to take care of them.

"The most important thing is to always have a crate for your dog or cat, no Red Cross shelters will allow pets inside," Brisbois said. "If you have a crate, they can stay safe outside the shelter."

Prepare Yourself

  • Residents can sign up for the AlertOC emergency mass notification systems which has the ability to send thousands of messages within minutes via voice message, email and text. To sign-up for AlertOC, add your contact information here or call 949-644-3109. 
  • Develop an emergency plan for your home. If you live in an inundation area, put together an evacuation plan.
  • Make sure you have enough supplies to last for at least three days including food, water, a first-aid kit, portable radio, sturdy shoes, flashlight, batteries and camping gear.
  • Consider joining the city's Community Emergency Response Team to learn how to help neighbors following an unexpected disaster by developing a plan, organizing neighborhoods and taking care of basic medical needs. To get more information about the CERT program, call 949-644-3112 or visit nbcert.org.

Are you prepared for an unexpected disaster? Tell us how in the comments.

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