Although earthquakes occur on a near-daily basis in southern California, most are small with negligible impact. However, geologists believe that the potential for a damage-producing earthquake is moderately high and just a matter of time.

Preparing for a damaging earthquake

Every resident and business should have an emergency plan to provide for basic needs (food, water, shelter, sanitation, etc.) for 72 to 96 hours. Consult the following resources to prepare for a damaging earthquake:

• Earthquake preparedness and response
• Tips for preparing family
• Tips for preparing seniors
• Tips for disabled or special needs
• Tips for pet owners

During an earthquake

• Immediately move away from windows, glass, large moveable displays or hanging objects.
• Drop, cover and hold under or against a solid desk, bureau or similar structure.
• Do not take cover under stairwells.
• Cover head and face and hold on to a solid structure.
• Prepare for one or more aftershocks.
• Evacuate the building.
• When outside, stay away from buildings, power lines, light poles or other objects that might present a hazard.
• Do not re-enter the building unless told it is safe to do so by first responders or building inspectors.

In the immediate aftermath of a damaging earthquake

Be aware of the potential for falling glass or debris, compromised structures, downed power lines and contaminated water resulting from earthquakes:

• Always avoid windows and breaking glass.
• Always prepare for aftershocks.
• If possible, boil water after major earthquakes that damage infrastructure.
• In the immediate aftermath of a damaging quake, self-evacuate from the coast to areas of higher ground.

Unplanned power outages can be caused by many things: traffic accidents, damage to power lines, even metallic balloons caught in overhead wires. According to San Diego Gas & Electric, the two most common causes of unplanned outages in the San Diego area are storms and high winds.

In the event of an unplanned power outage

• At the workplace: if there is sufficient light to remain in your work area, do so and await direction.
• If appropriate, check elevators for trapped individuals.
• Call facilities maintenance staff or 9-1-1 as appropriate.
• Be prepared to provide location, address, phone number and description of what happened.
• If appropriate, contact San Diego Gas & Electric at 800-411-SDGE (7343)
• Do not light any candles or open flame devices.

Learn more

• What to do during an unplanned power outage: recommendations by San Diego Gas & Electric
• How to stay safe around natural gas and electricity

Heavy rains can present a threat to life and property:

• Causing localized or flash flooding and dangerously swift moving water
• Weakening soil, resulting in erosion and mudslides
• Weakening foundations, producing pot holes and carrying debris onto roads

Sandbag information

Monitoring severe weather

During periods of severe weather causing wide-spread damage to utilities, facilities or transportation, Carlsbad residents are encouraged to consult the Emergency Information page and local media to stay informed.

Monitor stations that broadcast emergency alert messages: local TV and radio stations KOGO-AM 600 kHz and KLSD-AM 1360kHz. Have battery powered radios on hand and preset those stations.

Flood warnings are disseminated by the Emergency Alert System through local radio and television stations (KOGO-AM600, KFMB-AM760, KPBS-FM89.5, FOX6, KFBM8, KGTV10, KNSD, KSWB, KUSI, KBNT, XHAS, and KPBC) and by NOAA Weather Radio at 162.40 MHz.

Human-caused hazards include civil unrest, technological hazards and terrorism. These are distinct from natural hazards because they originate from human activity.

What to do in the event of civil unrest

Civil unrest or disturbance is an unlawful assembly that constitutes a breach of the peace, or any assembly of persons where there is danger of collective violence, destruction of property or other unlawful acts.

• Determine whether it is safer to lock building/rooms and "shelter-in-place" or to evacuate.
  Call 9-1-1.
• If sheltering-in-place, do so away from windows and glass. Secure the building.
• If evacuating, ensure that both the evacuation point and route to it are safe. Assemble away from the area of disturbance.

What to do in the event of a hazardous material spill

Technological hazards arise from human activities such as the manufacture, transportation, storage and use of hazardous materials. Technological hazards also include nuclear power plant failures and radiological releases. Hazardous material spills and releases are the most common type of technological hazard.

• Do not attempt to contain a spill.
• Move away from the spill.
• Isolate the contaminated area.
• Inform co-workers and visitors in the immediate area of hazard.
• If it is suspected that the spill could pose a health or safety hazard, evacuate the area.
• Call facilities representative. Be prepared to provide location, address, phone number and description of the spill.
• If there is a chance that the spill could enter storm drains, cover and block the drains.
• Follow HAZMAT plan, if applicable.
• If direct contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly wash body. (All materials used to clean up must be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of properly.)

Pandemic flu differs from the seasonal flu: pandemic flu involves a new virus for which vaccines have not yet been developed and for which anti-virals may not be effective. Pandemics are also characterized by global spread of the novel virus.

Best practice strategies for mitigating viral transmission: personal hygiene

• Cover up when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently, and use hand sanitizers.
• Sanitize work surfaces often.
• Avoid sharing personal items.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Wash clothes frequently.
• Dispose of trash frequently.
• Use a mask properly when recommended.
• Avoid non-critical hospital visits.

Best practice strategies for mitigating viral transmission: recommendations for public areas

• Increase facility and equipment cleaning.
• Cancel meetings.
• Close the office.
• Cancel public events.
• Limit the use of public transportation.
• Promote telecommuting.

• General Information
• Where to Go in a Radiation Emergency

Statistics on violence in schools

According to The Final Report and Findings of the Safe School Initiative:

• Just over one-quarter of school shooting incidents are stopped through law enforcement intervention.
• Despite prompt law enforcement responses, most were stopped through intervention by school administrators, educators and students - or by the attacker stopping on his own.
• One-quarter of the incidents were over within 5 minutes of their inception, and nearly half lasted 15 minutes or less.

Prevention and the importance of emergency planning

According to The Final Report and Findings of the Safe School Initiative, future attacks may be preventable. The short duration of most incidents of targeted school violence underscores the importance of developing preventive measures in addition to emergency planning for a school or school district. The California Education Code mandates each school have (all-hazard) plan, the plan be drafted in consultation with law enforcement and emergency services personnel, and updated by March 1 each year.

Challenges

Severe heat poses a health risk, particularly to the elderly, non-ambulatory and those suffering from illness. Residents should seek medical treatment if they suspect impairment from the heat.

Increased public demand for air conditioning can place additional stress on the electrical power grid potentially jeopardizing electricity availability in selected areas.

Child and pet safety

Never leave children or pets unattended in cars during periods of severe heat.

Keeping hydrated and staying cool

All residents should ensure access to water. Those feeling the affects of heat may choose to visit a cool zone. Cool zones are air conditioned facilities that welcome the public to escape the effects of the heat.

Carlsbad cool zones

For hours of operation, please contact:

Dove Library
1775 Dove Lane
442-339-2049

Senior Center
799 Pine Ave.
442-339-2650

Additional information

• Tips to beat the heat
• San Diego County Cool Zones

Forms of severe weather

• Heavy winter rain and associated flooding
• Severe heat
• Tornadoes and hurricanes
• Santa Ana winds and wildland fire danger

Emergency alert messages

Monitor stations that broadcast emergency alert messages: local TV and radio stations KOGO-AM 600 kHz and KLSD-AM 1360kHz. Have battery powered radios on hand and preset those stations.

Although severe tornadoes are more common in the great plains states, tornadoes can occur right here in Carlsbad. Tornadoes and hurricanes have struck southern California and San Diego in the past, although very infrequently.

Indoors

• Always stay away from windows.
• Get under a work bench or other piece of sturdy furniture.
• Seek shelter on the lowest floor of the building in an interior hallway or room such as a closet.
• Use blankets and pillows to cover the body from flying debris If in a mobile home, evacuate to a substantial shelter.

Outdoors

• Seek shelter in a substantial building.
• If no shelter is available, lie flat in the nearest ditch or other low spot and use hands to cover the head.
• Pick a spot away from trees, cars and other objects, if possible.

In a car

• Stay in the car with the seat belt on.
• Pull under an underpass if possible.
• Drivers and passengers should put their heads down below the windows, covering with hands and a blanket if possible.
• Seek shelter in a substantial building if safe to do so.

Preparation saves lives

• Develop an emergency plan to be able to respond quickly and safely in the event of a structure fire.
• Consult this checklist to fire-proof a home and develop escape routes from a house or building.

What to do if caught a structure fire

• Respond to the smoke alarm signal.
• Crouch down low to avoid breathing in smoke.
• Close the doors: closed doors slow the spread of fire.
• Walk, do not run, to the safest exit. (Do not use elevators.)
• Congregate in a designated meeting place outside.
• When all members are outside, stay outside. Under no circumstance should anyone go back into a burning home.
• Call the fire department or call 9-1-1.

Wildland fires are uncontrolled, non-structure fires that occur in rural, woodland or bush areas.

The danger posed by wildland fires

Wildfires can cause extensive destruction of homes and other property located in the wildland-urban interface, the zone between developed and undeveloped areas. Wildland fires can quickly move from the interface area to more densely populated communities.

Despite its proximity to the coast, Carlsbad can experience the same fire hazard conditions as east San Diego county.

Take steps to mitigate the danger of wildland fires

• Avoid fire, heat or spark producing activities during periods of high wind.
• Ensure vehicles are in proper repair.
• Avoid using spark/heat generating equipment in/near dry brush areas.
• Establish defensible boundaries between home/work areas and dry brush areas.
• Schedule spark/heat generating work during cooler parts of the day.
• Pre-inspect grass areas before mowing to remove spark-producing debris.
• Ensure portable firefighting equipment is operational. Avoid parking vehicles roadside or in dry brush areas.
• Dispose of flammables (charcoal, etc.) properly.
• Clear off debris from the roof and gutters, screen vents.
• Discuss hazard and actions with staff and family to broaden awareness.
• Consider purchasing pool pumps or protective additives, like gel.
• Report hazardous activities, smoke or fire to 9-1-1.
• Develop an emergency plan, including escape routes. Every resident and business should plan to provide for basic needs (food, water, shelter, sanitation, etc.) for 72 to 96 hours.
• Register cell phones with AlertSanDiego, the county-wide emergency notification system.

What to do in the event of a wildfire

• Consult the Emergency Information page and local media to stay informed.
• Monitor stations that broadcast emergency alert messages: local TV and radio stations KOGO-AM 600 kHz and KLSD-AM 1360kHz. Have battery powered radios on hand and preset those stations.
• Evacuate early or when directed to do so.
• Consult notices of county and city road closures.

Violent incidents include acts of terrorism, an active shooter, kidnapping, hostage-taking, assaults, armed intruder, robbery, burglary, break-in, etc.

Note: Report violence. Any employee who is aware of a potentially violent situation that may carry over into the workplace should report information to the City of Carlsbad Police Department.

In the event of violence in the workplace

• If safe to do so, evacuate from the assailant/building and seek cover.
• If evacuation is not possible, congregate in the immediate vicinity and secure the area if safely feasible.
• Lock or barricade the door if able. (Use whatever is available: desks, tables, file cabinets, etc.)
• Call 9-1-1. Provide as much information as possible regarding the assailant, weapon, injuries, location, building entrances, etc.
• Remain behind solid objects, out of sight and away from the door and windows.
• Assist children and those with access and functional needs.
• Account for co-workers, assessing injuries.
• Remain quiet.
• If the assailant enters your room and leaves, lock or barricade the door.
• If safe and secured, place a sign in exterior-facing windows identifying number/severity of injured.
• If unsafe or unsecured -- and location of assailant is known -- proceed to secure location if determined safe to do so. If unsafe or unsecured -- and location of assailant is unknown -- seek closest available cover.
• If in doubt, find the safest area available and secure it the best way that you can.
• Remember the assailant may bang on the door, yell for help, or otherwise attempt to entice you to open the door of a secured area.
• Unless there is any doubt about the safety of the individuals inside the room, the area needs to remain secured.
• Once the door is secured, do not open until directed to do so by an authenticated law enforcement official.

Learn more

Tips for preventing workplace violence.