News from the Office of Emergency Services

The Time to Prepare Is Before an Earthquake Strikes

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 8/14/2008 – Earlier today a moderate earthquake occurred in the Los Angeles area.  The City of Santa Barbara Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Services wants you to remember that knowing what to do before an Earthquake strikes can make the difference between life and death.

Having a family earthquake plan is the first step you can take to become earthquake prepared. 

• Deciding how and where your family will reunite if separated.
• Choose an out of state friend or relative that separated family members can call after the earthquake to report their whereabouts.
• Know where and how to shut off your utilities.
• Conduct earthquake drills every 6 months with your family and learn first aid and CPR.

What to do when an earthquake strikes:

• If you are outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs or power lines.
• If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop; avoid overpasses and power lines; stay in your vehicle until the shaking stops.
• If you are in a crowded store or other public place, do not rush for the exits. Move away from tall display racks and shelves.
• If you are in a stadium or theater stay in your seat and protect your head until the shaking stops then leave in a calm manner.
• If you are home inside get under a table or desk away from windows and tall furniture.
• During an earthquake these actions alone could save your life! Always remember to stay calm and don't panic. When the shaking stops move to a safe place.

What to do immediately after a strong earthquake: 

• Check on your family members.
• Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. Don’t use water on electrical or gas fires. If you can’t put out the fire quickly, get everyone out of the building right away.
• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas, open windows and move everyone outside.
• Inspect your home’s foundation, walls, and chimneys. Look and listen for any signs of possible collapse.

Please visit the following websites for additional information:

Santa Barbara City Fire Department
http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/Government/Departments/Fire/

California Office of Emergency Services
http://www.oes.ca.gov/

Santa Barbara County American Red Cross
http://www.sbredcross.org

 
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Mission Statement

The City of Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Services was established by the City Council in an effort to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of major emergencies that threaten lives, property, and the environment.

The Office of Emergency Services accomplishes this mission through comprehensive safety education programs for the public, training City employees regarding their Disaster Service Worker roles and responsibilities, and inter-agency coordination activities that assist in the City’s emergency management and preparedness efforts.

Disaster Preparedness Training

Provided by the Santa Barbara City Fire Department, the City of Santa Barbara Fire Department invites you to join them in a series of CERT Training Classes to learn basic skills that may be needed in the event of an emergency.

For more information on CERT Classes click here.

Who is in Charge?

The Office of Emergency is managed by the City Administrator who acts as the Emergency Services Director. The Director works closely with the Emergency Services Manager and the City’s Emergency Services Council, which includes all City department heads.

The Emergency Services Manager has the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of disaster preparedness and readiness.

What is a Disaster?

A disaster can take many forms. The City Office of Emergency Services plans for and responds to all kinds of emergencies/disasters, such as: