Ventura County Grand Jury • 2006-2007

Ventura County: Disaster Evacuation Planning

Published: April 03, 2007 10 pages
Ver PDF original

Findings and Recommendations 36 findings

F01
The Ventura County Watershed Protection District (WPD), as part of its flood control responsibility, has mapped certain flood scenarios and developed maps from which Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s Office of Emergency Services (VC OES) and local emergency responders can create evacuation plans.
No recommendations for this finding
F02
Repetitive flood areas and levee break/overflows are mapped by WPD with some recommended evacuation routes mapped by VC OES. [Ref-01] • 100-year flood inundation scenarios are mapped for levee break/overflow by WPD without evacuation route recommendations. • 500-year flood inundation scenarios are mapped by WPD for dam failures only.
No recommendations for this finding
F03
The November 15, 2005, Ventura County General Plan, Hazards Appendix, states that there are 20 dams with inundation potential in the County. At least 16 of the 20 are earth-fill dams. (An earth-fill dam is a simple embankment of compacted earth, typically with a watertight core or upstream face of concrete or clay.) [Ref-02]
No recommendations for this finding
F04
According to the Casitas Dam Evacuation Map, published approximately 14 years ago by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), the downhill water course from a failure of the Casitas Dam will follow the Ventura River, Highway 33, and Ventura Avenue to the ocean. [Ref-03] 2 Ventura County Disaster Evacuation
No recommendations for this finding
F05
California has sustained 16 earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7.0 since 1812, including the following two near Casitas Dam: • a magnitude 7.1 earthquake west of Ventura in the Santa Barbara Channel on December 21, 1812, approximately 10 miles from Casitas Dam • a magnitude 7.9 earthquake near Fort Tejon on January 9, 1857, approximately 50 miles from Casitas Dam
No recommendations for this finding
F06
In 1999, the USBR began a two-year seismic retrofit of the Casitas Dam. This modernization program was engineered to enable the dam to withstand a magnitude 7.0 earthquake.
No recommendations for this finding
F07
According to VC OES, 11 fixed-point warning systems (sirens) were installed in the inundation zone by the USBR during the Casitas Dam seismic retrofit. Operation and maintenance of the sirens were transferred to the Casitas Municipal Water District upon completion of the retrofit. The Ventura County Disaster Council (VCDC) has not decided which agency will ultimately be responsible for these sirens.
No recommendations for this finding
F08
The VC OES has assumed oversight of the Casitas Dam sirens. The sirens are tested quarterly at the direction of VC OES. As of May 2007, several of the sirens are non-operative because of repair needs.
No recommendations for this finding
F09
Since assuming oversight of the sirens, VC OES has repaired some of them, although funds have not been budgeted for regular on-going maintenance. VC OES has estimated that refurbishment of the current system would cost approximately $60,000 to $70,000. Annual maintenance costs would run approximately $10,000 to $15,000.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
VC OES formally proposed to the VCDC that the siren system be decommissioned. As of June 2007, no decision had been made.
Related Recommendations (1)
R02
The VCDC should decide whether to maintain the fixed-point warning sirens that currently exist near the Casitas and Piru Dams. (C-02 through C-05)
F11
VC OES also assumed oversight responsibility for the two remote-controlled warning sirens that are located near the Piru Dam. These sirens are operable and are tested monthly by the Ventura County Fire Department. Tsunami
No recommendations for this finding
F12
According to the Tsunami Safety Committee of the California Seismic Safety Commission, more than 80 tsunamis have been observed or recorded along the California coastline during the past 200 years. Nine of these tsunamis caused minor damage in various California ports and harbors, and two caused major damage.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
Although the last destructive tsunami which affected Ventura County was in 1812, several small non-destructive tsunamis have occurred since that time.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
Ventura County is subject to threats from both tele-tsunamis (distance generated, trans-oceanic) and locally generated events from the Santa Barbara Channel and Gulf of Catalina. Ventura County Disaster Evacuation 3
No recommendations for this finding
F15
Ventura County has 42 miles of coastline, approximately half of which is at potential risk for a ten-meter (33-foot) tsunami. A significant number of small communities within the County would be affected by a major tsunami. [Ref-04]
No recommendations for this finding
F16
Japan has developed a very effective tsunami warning system. The Japanese model has shown that the threat to human life during a tsunami can be mitigated by an effective warning system and clearly defined evacuation routes when advance notice is available.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WCATWC) provides tsunami warning guidance for British Columbia and all west coast states. If the United States Geological Survey detects an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 or greater in the Pacific Ocean, it alerts WCATWC, which monitors pressure sensors in the ocean and tidal gauges along the coast. The WCATWC then alerts the appropriate emergency service organizations on the west coast. For California, that is the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (State OES) in Sacramento, who in turn alerts the VC OES. VC OES is responsible for notifying local communities that would most likely be affected.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
VC OES only makes recommendations to local municipal emergency managers whether to evacuate or not; local authorities are responsible for formulating and executing evacuation plans for their jurisdictions under a tsunami warning.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
In August 2006, the VC OES posted a 52-page Ventura County Operational Area Tsunami Evacuation Plan (Tsunami Evacuation Plan) on its Web site. The stated intent of the plan is to inform the public about potential inundation areas, warning communication systems, and evacuation routes.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
The California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) has issued an official notification that authorizes local authorities to install tsunami signs in tsunami inundation areas as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These signs are intended for placement on state highways, local streets and roads, near the coast in parking lots, and at parks and beaches to identify hazard zones and evacuation routes, and to direct road users (including pedestrians and bicyclists) to safe areas.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
There are currently no tsunami evacuation route signs posted in the inundation areas of Ventura County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R08
The County should obtain approval and/or permits from appropriate governmental agencies for tsunami warning signage in potential inundation danger areas. Signs should be installed as soon as possible. (C-02)
F22
Several cities along the Pacific coastline in potential tsunami inundation zones have created comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the hazards of tsunamis. Such efforts have included the distribution of tsunami brochures throughout the community, installation of public information kiosks at beach access points, and installation of evacuation route signs. Ventura County Disaster Evacuation
No recommendations for this finding
F23
The National Weather Service (a department of NOAA) has established a “Tsunami Ready” certification for jurisdictions that have satisfied certain criteria such as: • the ability to disseminate warnings • having a designated emergency operations center • implementing a community awareness program • designation of hazard zones • development of evacuation plans
No recommendations for this finding
F24
Currently there are 40 “Tsunami Ready” sites in ten states. California sites that have achieved Tsunami Ready certification are the cities of Crescent City, Dana Point, and Huntington Beach, as well as the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
Ventura County, as well as all coastal cities in the County, should meet required standards to obtain “Tsunami Ready” certification from the National Weather Service. (C-05)
F25
The current County tsunami warning and evacuation plan is to broadcast warnings via the Emergency Alert System (radio, television), helicopter and police vehicle public address systems, and by knocking on doors.
No recommendations for this finding
F26
The Board of Supervisors (BOS) recently voted to implement a “Reverse 911” Interactive Community Notification System, which would allow direct telephone notification to residents throughout the County during emergency situations. This system is not yet fully operational.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
VC OES should work closely with the BOS to obtain all funding required to complete the County’s “Reverse 911” notification system. (C-04) Ventura County Disaster Evacuation 7
F27
Although discussed by VC OES and VCDC, there has been no decision or agreement as to whether a fixed-point audible warning system along the Ventura County coastline should be installed, maintained, and operated.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The VC OES and VCDC should decide if a coastal tsunami audible warning system is necessary and advisable. (C-02)
F28
According to a December 2005 study by the State of California Seismic Safety Commission titled “The Tsunami Threat for California”, two of the five final recommendations include the necessity for obtaining matching funds from state or federal sources for local jurisdictions. Evacuation Strategies
No recommendations for this finding
F29
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is working on a VCDC proposal to mobilize county bus operators to assist with evacuation transportation. An operational plan is not yet in place.
No recommendations for this finding
F30
Strategies and public educational campaigns to mitigate vehicle traffic gridlock in the event of an evacuation have not been implemented.
No recommendations for this finding
F31
VC OES does not coordinate evacuation training with municipalities except for joint training efforts with coastal cities regarding tsunami evacuations. All law enforcement agencies within the County have been given copies of all disaster plans and maps. VC OES expects each municipality to develop its own evacuation plans, train its own personnel, and distribute appropriate maps. Ventura County Disaster Evacuation 5
Related Recommendations (1)
R01
VC OES and the VCDC should work with the ten cities in the County to facilitate development of coordinated and integrated emergency evacuation plans for each of these communities. These plans should include how the public and emergency service providers are to be informed of an alert and what their responses should be. These local plans need to recognize that the VC OES is the chief disaster coordinator in the County; the plans need to be readily available to the public. (C-01)
F32
A “Hot Spots” manual [Ref-05], which identifies areas vulnerable to repetitive flooding, has been developed by VC OES in conjunction with the WPD. The manual is updated annually, and copies are distributed to each emergency response agency to assist responding personnel in the event of an evacuation alert.
No recommendations for this finding
F33
The “Hot Spots” manual does not identify evacuation routes or recommend assembly areas.
Related Recommendations (1)
R07
VC OES should revise and reissue the “Hot Spots” manual to include evacuation routes and safe assembly areas. A copy should be maintained in every emergency response vehicle within Ventura County. (C-03)
F34
The November 2003 WPD manual Weathering the Storm [Ref-06] advises residents to plan and practice an evacuation route and to contact the VC OES for a copy of the community flood evacuation plan.
No recommendations for this finding
F35
The VC OES Web site only lists three radio stations (one Spanish language) in the County that will broadcast emergency information.
Related Recommendations (2)
R06
Any evacuation plans developed by VC OES and the cities or special districts in Ventura County should be publicized and widely distributed. A user-friendly brochure detailing preparedness actions and evacuation routes should be developed for distribution to all residents in the County. As maps and plans are updated, the changes should be similarly publicized. (C-01, C-02)
R09
All County radio, television, and cable networks should be included in the emergency notification procedure, including broadcasters based in neighboring counties. (C-06)
F36
The Ventura County Information Systems Department (ISD) Geographic Information Services developed and published a photographic poster of the Ventura County coastline dated October 25, 2006, which shows the evacuation routes for coastal residents living in tsunami inundation areas. This poster is unique and is exhibited in the basement area of the Hall of Administration (near Employee Health). Conclusions C-01. It is important that individuals in susceptible areas be educated about and prepared for flooding, dam failures, and tsunamis before they happen. Evacuation warnings and information without prior public education will not be effective if the public does not receive, know how to use, and act upon this information. A lack of adequate planning could potentially create panic and gridlock, severely hampering the evacuation process. (F-26, F-28 through F-30, F-34 through F-36) C-02. VC OES and VCDC have discussed evacuation signage for floods and tsunamis, as well as continuing research on the effectiveness and necessity of siren warning systems. Experience suggests that the County may need to take a more aggressive approach to educating at-risk communities about the potential dangers they face and what they should do in the event of an alert. (F-28 through F-36) C-03. Emergency responders (e.g., police, fire, paramedics) may not have adequate information and training to respond appropriately in the event of an evacuation order. (F-30 through F-34, F-36) C-04. The current lack of information being disseminated to the public may be the result of inadequate funding and a lack of coordination between different jurisdictions. (F-29 through F-33) C-05. The National Weather Service “Tsunami Ready” certification, if pursued and implemented in Ventura County, would result in an increased level of safety for residents and visitors. (F-23, F-24) 6 Ventura County Disaster Evacuation C-06. Emergency information broadcasts by only three radio stations may not be sufficient. (F-35) Recommendations
Related Recommendations (1)
R12
The BOS should make available to all public agencies in the County the ISD Geographic Information Services photographic tsunami evacuation poster. The poster should be prominently displayed in all public buildings throughout the County. (C-01, C-03) Responses Responses Required From: Board of Supervisors (R-01 through R-08, R-10 through R-12) Ventura County Sheriff (R-01 through R-03, R-05 through R-07, R-09, R-11) Camarillo City Council (R-01, R-06) Fillmore City Council (R-01, R-06) Moorpark City Council (R-01, R-06) Ojai City Council (R-01, R-06) Oxnard City Council (R-01, R-06, R-10) Port Hueneme City Council (R-01, R-06, R-10) Santa Paula City Council (R-01, R-06) Simi Valley City Council (R-01, R-06) Thousand Oaks City Council R-01, R-06) Ventura City Council (R-01, R-06, R-10) Responses Requested From: Ventura County Fire Protection District (VCFD) (R-01, R-06) Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) (R-06) Ventura County Council of Governments (VCOG) (R-01, R-06) References Ref-01. Repetitive Loss Structure, Repetitive/100-year Floodplain, URS Corporation for Watershed Management Agency, August 30, 2004 Ref-02. “Dams with Inundation Potential” (Table), Ventura County General Plan, “Hazards Appendix”, November 15, 2005 Ref-03. Casitas Dam Evacuation Map, Federal Bureau of Reclamation, 1993 Ref-04. Ventura County Hazards Map: Tsunami Inundation Hazards, U.S. Geological Survey Topographic Quadrangle Map, 2002 Ref-05. Ventura County Sheriff’s Patrol Services Flooding “Hot Spots”, February 2007 8 Ventura County Disaster Evacuation Ref-06. Weathering The Storm, Ventura County Watershed Protection Agency, November 2003 Bibliography The Tsunami Threat To California, State of California, Seismic Safety Commission, December 2005 Tsunami Sign Placement Guidelines, Oregon Emergency Management Modeling Small Area Evacuation, California Department of Transportation, April 2002 Local Planning Guidelines For Tsunami Response, State Office of Emergency Services Be Aware & Prepare: Before Disaster Strikes, American Red Cross, and Oregon Trail Chapter Ventura County Operational Area, Tsunami Evacuation Plan, Office of Emergency Services, August 2006 “1812 California Tsunami Carried A Ship Inland”, Los Angeles Times, January 9, 2005 Tsunamis Within the Eastern Santa Barbara Channel, Jose B. Gorrero et al, USC, American Geophysical Union, 1999 Tsunami, F. Gonzales, Scientific American, May 18, 1999 Could It Happen Here? J. Borrero, USC, Civil Engineering, April 2005 Ventura County General Plan, “Hazards Appendix”, November 2004 Ventura County Disaster Council Ordinance #5320 Additional Bibliography: Internet Web Sites CALTRANS Approved Tsunami Signs:< http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/signtech/signdel/tsunami.htm> About Tsunami’s, California Geological Survey: Tsunami Ready, National Weather Service: , , University of Southern California Tsunami Research Center: Tsunami Evacuation Maps, Oregon Department of Geology: Ventura River Project: Ventura County Tsunami Animation: Ventura County Disaster Evacuation 9 (This page intentionally blank) 10 Ventura County Disaster Evacuation

Conclusions 2

No Responses Found 3

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

County of Ventura Agency
Ventura County Sheriff Elected County Office
Ventura County Watershed Protection District Special District