Are you and your family prepared for the next major earthquake or other natural disasters?

Be prepared by taking the necessary steps to keep yourself, your family, your pets, and your home safe before, during and after a disaster. Discuss what to do before the disaster strikes and make a basic emergency supply kit for your home, car, and workplace. 

An emergency preparedness kit should include:

• One (1) gallon of water per day per person for a minimum of seven (7) days
• Nonperishable food such as canned, freeze-dried, or dehydrated items for three (3) meals a day per person for seven (7) days; include food for your pets
• Camping stove and/or BBQ with paper plates and utensils to prepare your meals
• Extra supply of all prescription medications for all family members
• Sanitation supplies and plastic bags for waste
• First aid kit with bandages and disinfectants
• Emergency lighting with extra batteries for your flashlights
• Small tool kit with a hammer, pry bar, screwdrivers, etc.; include a tool to shut off gas and water meter
• Bedding such as sleeping bags, pillows, and extra blankets
• Battery operated radio
• Specialty items such as diapers, walkers, and other medical supplies as needed (if applicable) in your family

Check out Ready.gov  as a source of what supplies to gather, how to store them and “what to do” when a disaster strikes. The Red Cross and Salvation Army also have information and pamphlets to help in your preparation. Many excellent tips such as having a seven day readiness supply, selecting foods you like, avoiding overly salted food, (increases need for drinking water), family meeting places after an earthquake, out of state relatives that can assist in knowing where family members are and if they are OK, and taking care of your pets are just a few.

With Tsunamis as a local hazard to Manhattan Beach, we emphasize the importance of readiness. There is an annual Tsunami Preparedness week in March which aims to educate our community on tsunami risks, warning signs, and safety measures to help save lives.

We encourage our community to sign up for emergency alerts, review evacuation routes, and take this opportunity to assemble emergency kits or if you already have emergency kits ready, a reminder to check on the contents.

Early action is key in the event of a tsunami. Knowing the natural warning signs, such as strong or long earthquakes and sudden changes in ocean behavior, can make all the difference.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF A TSUNAMI 🚨 Tsunamis don’t come without warning!

🌊 Know the signs:

• Strong/long earthquakes
• Sudden ocean water recession
• Loud roaring from the sea
• National Data Buoy Center

If you notice these, move to higher ground immediately!

MORE WAYS TO KNOW A TSUNAMI IS COMING

• Wireless Emergency Alerts and Text Messages
  • Sign up for the City of Manhattan Beach's official emergency alert system, Alert SouthBay
    • Visit the Alert Southbay website and register, or
    • Texting AlertSB to 888777
    • Download the app from your app store by searching for AlertSB and create a profile
• Radio
• Online or TV

In an emergency, every second counts

Here's what you should pack in a go-bag to stay ready:

Tsunami Evacuation Routes and Maps

Do you know your tsunami evacuation route? In the event of a tsunami, head to higher ground immediately!

Tsunami Plan

The mission of the City of Manhattan Beach is to reduce the potential for loss of life and property from actions caused by a tsunami. City planning will be led by the City Manager supported by designated City departments, agencies and representatives from potentially impacted areas. Execution will be directed by the Director of Emergency Services or by the City EOC Director. More information can be found in the City Tsunami Plan (PDF).

The City of Manhattan Beach will be updating the Tsunami Plan and inundation map. This may include a map with 100’ inundation to accommodate Los Angeles County Disaster Preparedness Coordinator's recommendation to stage emergency equipment above a 100’ line.

Evacuation Routes

The City has identified a number of major thoroughfares as evacuation routes in the event of a major disaster. Citizens or visitors who cannot evacuate may be ordered to a collection point or emergency shelter. A citywide notification will be distributed to advise the public of those routes or shelters. The attached Evacuation Routes and Shelters map shows the predetermined streets and locations that can be used in the event of an emergency.

Key Actions During a Tsunami Warning:

1. Move to Higher Ground: Immediately evacuate to designated safe zones as indicated on local evacuation maps.
2. Avoid Coastal Areas: Steer clear of beaches, harbors, and low-lying regions until authorities declare them safe.

For more information on how to prepare, please visit these resource sites:

• Emergency Preparedness
• Emergency Plans
• Tsunami Zone
• How to participate and Prepare
• Tsunami Zone Resources
• Do you know your zone
• Welcome to the Tsunami Zone in California!
• Cal OES My Hazards - How does MyHazards work?
  MyHazards is a tool for the general public to discover hazards in their area (earthquake, flood, fire, and tsunami) and learn steps to reduce personal risk. Using the MyHazards tool, users may enter an address, city, zip code, or may select a location from a map. The map targets the location, and allows users to zoom and scroll to their desired view. The screen then presents information on the risks identified within the search radius, and recommended actions. MyHazards website performs best when using Internet Explorer. Hazard Data is approximate and data layer visibility are subject to the extent of the Map.
• California Department of Conservation - California Tsunami Maps
• California Tsunami Preparedness Guide

USGS Map of Latest Earthquakes

Dr. Lucy Jones Earthquake Preparedness Slide Presentation (PDF) Presentation Handout: Emergency Supply Check List (PDF)

Margaret Vinci Earthquake Preparedness Slide Presentation (PDF)

Other Useful Links