March 26th marks the beginning of National Tsunami Preparedness Week, a nationwide effort geared towards encouraging individuals, families and organizations to be prepared for tsunamis through education and awareness.
Tsunamis are a series of waves created by underwater disturbances such as an earthquake, landslide or volcanic eruption. From the area of origin, tsunami waves travel outward in all directions. Once the wave approaches the Ventura County coastline, it slows from open water speeds of over 500 miles per hour to around 30 miles per hour in the shallower coastal water.
The topography of the coastline and the ocean floor influence the size, intensity and overall impact of the wave. Tsunami waves can be very dangerous and destructive and the areas in Ventura County most at risk are our beaches, harbors, ports and river mouths.
The maximum tsunami inundation zone for the county can be viewed on a map by visiting Ready Ventura County at www.readyventuracounty.org and downloading the READY VC mobile application.
As a designated Tsunami Ready county and to continue our efforts at enchaining tsunami preparedness, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, the County of Ventura, City of Oxnard, City of Port Hueneme, City of Ventura, Navy Base Ventura County, the Port of Hueneme, the American Red Cross of Ventura County, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the National Weather Service partnered in revising, updating and exercising response and recovery plans that address possible tsunami events.
Additionally, two tsunami preparedness town hall events will be held where coastal community members can hear from tsunami experts and learn how to get prepared.
Community members from the City of Oxnard, City of Port Hueneme, Navy Base Ventura County and unincorporated parts of the County from Channel Islands Harbor south to County Line are welcome to attend the March 27th town hall at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Community members from the City of Ventura and unincorporated parts of north coast County are Page 2 of 2 welcome to attend the March 28th town hall at the Ventura County Fairgrounds McBride Hall from 6 PM to 8 PM.
For more tips on what to do prior to, during and after an emergency please visit Ready Ventura County at www.readyventuracounty.org and download our mobile application – READY VC.
To receive emergency alerts, warnings and notifications register for VC Alert by visiting www.vcalert.org or by text messaging VCALERT to 313131 on your mobile device.
When an incident in Ventura County occurs please visit www.vcemergency.com for real time information.
