Meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2013
6:40 PM ~ 8:30 PM at the County Fair Building
“Understanding the Bay Area’s Tsunami Risk, Preparedness Efforts, and Emergency Response”
Presenting Cindy Pridmore of the California Geological Survey and Kevin Miller of the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
Cindy and Kevin will provide information on the tsunami risks and emergency preparedness efforts for the greater Bay Area. This presentation will provide an overview of California’s tsunami risk, the state’s official inundation maps, preparedness efforts, and some lessons learned from past tsunami events. More than eighty tsunamis have been observed or recorded in California in historic times. Fortunately, most of these were small and did little or no damage. Though damaging events have occurred infrequently, they are a possibility that must be considered in coastal communities. Both local and distant tsunami sources are of concern for our state coastline.
The California Geological Survey (CGS) and the California Office of Emergency Service (CalOES) work closely with the coastal National Weather Service offices to assist communities and emergency managers in understanding their tsunami risk and strengthening their tsunami emergency plans. More than eighty tsunamis have been observed or recorded in California in historic times. Fortunately, most of these have been small and did little or no damage.
The worst case scenario for middle and southern California coastal communities is most likely 9.0 +M earthquake originating from the Alaskan Aleutian subduction zone creating a tsunami that would reach our coastline in approximately five hours. For the outer coastal Bay Area, portions of the San Francisco coastline could experience inundation up to 15 feet above sea level at high tide.
Ongoing work includes CGS and CalOES working with NOAA, NWS, and FEMA to implement a plan to increase awareness of tsunami generated hazards to the maritime community (including both ship and harbor infrastructure) through the development of in-harbor hazard maps, offshore safety zones for boater evacuation, and associated guidance for harbors and marinas before, during and following a tsunamis.
Place: County Fair Building (formerly the Hall of Flowers), located just inside Golden Gate Park at 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way
Time: 6:30 PM ~ 8:30 PM
RSVP: at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/8938454157
(RSVP for this event is very important. This event is free and open to the Public)
*Street parking available on the north side of Lincoln Way after 6:00 PM
*For MUNI info, please check its website.
*Light refreshments, displays, and handouts will be available.