It’s hard to forget the dramatic video out of Japan showing a massive tsunami engulfing its coastline. In 2011, after that tsunami, San Diego experienced tsunami warnings. Today, that system has improved.
A new Tsunami playbook helps officials know exactly which 33,000 homes and businesses in San Diego tsunami zones would be the hardest hit. It also tells them exactly who to evacuate.
"We don't have to over-evacuate anymore,” said Holly Crawford, Director of Emergency Services at County of San Diego.
She said the Office of Emergency Services is more prepared these days.
“We have the ability based on a number of factors to more accurately target an evacuation zone based on how high the wave is, what the tidal conditions are at the time, and the topography of the area that will be impacted,” Crawford explained.
At the beach Friday the threat of a Tsunami wasn't on anyone's mind. Even business owners in Mission Beach, who would likely be affected, admitted they've never thought twice about it.
"I've been here seven years and I've never seen this kind of thing like tsunamis, so there is no reason to be scared being here,” said Rode Chalbi, manager at Harry’s Market in Mission Beach.
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While, the Office of Emergency Services acknowledges that San Diego doesn’t face the same type of risk as Japan, officials feel good knowing there's a plan in place to keep everyone safe.
"People get injured in large-scale evacuations and we don't want to over-evacuate, so this is a great advancement in terms of public safety for our community,” Crawford added.
For more details on our local tsunami warning system, click here and here.
