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.

Heavy rain and severe storms can create dangerous conditions with little warning. Storms may cause localized or flash flooding, strong winds, high surf, coastal flooding, erosion, mudslides, power outages, downed trees and hazardous driving conditions.

El Niño can influence weather patterns and increase the potential for periods of heavy rainfall in Southern California. Whether or not an El Niño pattern is present, preparing before storms arrive can help protect you, your family and your property.

Storm resources

• Get emergency alerts
• Sandbag information
• Check the weather
• Evacuation Information

Before a storm

Take these steps before heavy rain is forecast:

• Sign up for AlertSanDiego to receive emergency notifications.
• Monitor weather forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service.
• Make sure your emergency kit is stocked and easy to access. Include flashlights, batteries, medications and other essential supplies.
• Review your household emergency and communication plan, including plans for pets and family members who may need additional assistance.
• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, drains and other areas where water flows around your property.
• Inspect your roof, trees and property for potential hazards.
• Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans and other loose items that could be moved by strong winds.
• Know whether your property is in or near a flood-prone area and identify safe routes you can use if flooding occurs.
• If your property is prone to flooding, prepare sandbags before the storm arrives.

Carlsbad sandbag information

The City recommends residents concerned about flooding purchase sandbags in advance when possible. During periods of forecast heavy rain, a limited supply may also be available from designated City locations.

During a storm

Conditions can change quickly during periods of heavy rain.

• Stay informed and follow instructions from public safety officials.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and flooding.
• Never drive, walk or bike through flooded roadways or moving water.
• Never drive around barricades blocking a flooded roadway.
• Slow down while driving and allow additional distance between vehicles.
• Stay away from downed power lines and always assume they are energized.
• Be alert for rapidly rising water, particularly near creeks, drainage channels and low-lying areas.
• If you are in a flood-prone area and water begins to rise, move to higher ground and follow evacuation instructions.
• Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.

Floodwater can be more dangerous than it appears. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and 12 inches of moving water can carry away many vehicles. Never attempt to cross a flooded roadway.

After a storm

Hazards may remain even after the rain stops.

• Continue monitoring official information for road closures, hazards and other safety updates.
• Avoid flooded areas and standing water.
• Stay away from downed power lines and damaged electrical equipment.
• Watch for damaged trees, unstable slopes, debris and other hazards.
• Do not enter areas that have been closed or blocked by public safety personnel.
• Document property damage and contact your insurance provider as appropriate.

Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals and other contaminants, and electrical and structural hazards may not be immediately visible.

Stay informed

During severe weather, use multiple trusted sources to stay informed:

• City of Carlsbad website and social media for local updates and information.
• AlertSanDiego for regional emergency notifications by phone, text and email.
• Genasys Protect for evacuation information.
• National Weather Service for weather forecasts, watches and warnings.
• 2-1-1 San Diego for regional emergency information and resources.
• Local television and radio news for regional emergency coverage.

Local TV and radio stations KOGO-AM 600 kHz and KLSD-AM 1360kHz broadcast emergency alert messages.

Flood warnings are disseminated by the Emergency Alert System through local radio and television stations and by NOAA Weather Radio at 162.40 MHz.

Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio available in case of a power outage.

Know the difference: Flood watch vs. flood warning

Flood watch: Flooding is possible. Be prepared and monitor conditions.

Flood warning: Flooding is occurring or expected. Take action and follow instructions from public safety officials.

Flash flood warning: Flash flooding is occurring or imminent. Move to a safe location immediately and do not enter flooded areas.

About El Niño

El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. It can influence weather patterns around the world and may contribute to periods of heavier rainfall in Southern California.

An El Niño pattern does not mean every storm will cause flooding or that heavy rain will occur in every location. Residents should monitor current forecasts and prepare for severe weather regardless of seasonal outlooks.

Protect your property

A few preventive steps can help reduce the potential for storm-related damage:

• Keep gutters, drains and drainage areas clear of leaves and debris.
• Inspect your property for drainage problems before storms arrive.
• Check trees for damaged or weakened branches.
• Secure outdoor items before periods of strong wind.
• Monitor slopes and retaining walls for signs of erosion or movement.
• Use sandbags or other appropriate barriers if your property is vulnerable to flooding.
• Consider whether flood insurance is appropriate for your property.

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

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

What is terrorism?

Terrorism is the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives.

Terrorist weapons may include biological, chemical, nuclear or radiological weapons as well as arson, incendiary, explosive, and armed attacks; industrial sabotage and hazardous material releases and cyber-terrorism. Improvised high explosive devises have been the terrorists’ weapon of choice.

Who handles information on local terrorist threats?

The San Diego Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center is responsible for collecting, analyzing and disseminating local area terrorism threat information. Local threat information is disseminated through bulletins and terrorism liaison officers.

What is today's national threat level?

National Terrorism Advisory System Threat Level

What are some prevention tips?

What can the public do to prepare for a terrorist attack?

• Know the 8 signs of suspicious activity: Surveillance, Elicitation, Tests of Security, Funding, Acquiring Supplies, Impersonation, Rehearsal, and Deployment.
• Since 9/11, many terrorist plots (including several in the United States by homegrown terrorists) have been hindered by ordinary citizens who notified authorities.
• Create a family disaster plan, create and replenish a family disaster home kit, register with the County’s AlertSanDiego notification system, donate blood, and join a Community Emergency Response Team.
• Business leaders can join the County’s ReadySanDiego Business Alliance, a coalition of businesses that work with public agencies to improve the safety and security of the region.

Is the San Diego region more prepared than we were on Sept. 11, 2001?

Yes. We have a robust anti-terrorism program and significant improvements have been made in the past ten years.

The level of collaboration in our region is unique. City, county, state, federal and private agencies in San Diego plan, train and exercise together as a region.

The goal is to help prevent and prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and manmade disasters that could impact San Diego County. More specifically, we’ve made the following improvements since September 11, 2001:

Law Enforcement Coordination Center (LECC)

At the LECC various agencies share terrorism intelligence and evaluate potential threats to our communities. Local, state and federal law enforcement officers work together on multi-agency task forces such as the Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. This center has expanded our regional collaboration in fighting terrorism.

Training

San Diego County has developed a Regional Exercise Program which includes cross-training with all cities, law enforcement, state and military. The region conducts a major full scale regional exercise annually, as well as scores of other drills and exercises each year, all focused on improving our response coordination and capability.

Regional Collaboration / Shared Resources

• The region shares many law enforcement resources and safety and detection equipment purchased with homeland security grants.
• San Diego County, law enforcement and fire officials manage a Critical Infrastructure Protection Program which seeks to identify critical sites or services in our region and mitigate potential threats to those sites.
• The Unified Disaster Council (includes the Board of Supervisors chair and fire chiefs of all 18 cities) manages regional safety, planning and mitigation as well as the coordination of homeland security grants used to pay for equipment and training.
• We have established a Civilian-Military Liaison Group that meets regularly to coordinate civilian and military readiness and preparedness within our region.
• The ReadySanDiego Business Alliance contributes resources and senior expertise for planning, responding and recovering from a disaster.
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in which the public is trained in basic disaster response and urged to prepare their families for emergencies including terrorism.

How much has the region received in Homeland Security funds and what has it been used for?

The Region has received more than $162 million in Homeland Security since 2001 which have used for:

• Training and planning for detection, decontamination and protective equipment for first responders
• Interoperable technologies for communications systems such as the AlertSanDiego public notification system, networks and first responder equipment such as 800 MHz radios
• Critical infrastructure protection
• Citizen preparedness education and the implementation of additional Community Emergency Response Teams
• Improvements to emergency management mutual aid and catastrophic event planning Emergency operations center enhancements
• Firefighting helicopter
• Geospatial data

How do local, state and federal law enforcement coordinate to report and prevent terrorist activity?

• County and city leaders coordinate, train and leverage emergency preparedness resources. The county and cities plan and manage Homeland Security grants for the region as part of the Unified Disaster Council.
• Local government also trains and works with state and federal governments to manage large-scale disasters where additional resources may be needed for the region.
• Various agencies (local, state and federal) at the Law Enforcement Coordination Center share terrorism intelligence and evaluate potential threats of terrorism.
• The Law Enforcement Coordination Center has a network of Terrorism Liaison Officers (made up of public safety workers such as paramedics, border patrol, homeland security workers and emergency managers) who receive terrorism training, information and intelligence.

Have you received tips from the public about terrorist activity and has it resulted in arrests?

Local law enforcement and the Law Enforcement Coordination Center has received credible tips in the past from citizens. We can’t discuss details due to their sensitive nature. We encourage residents to report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency so that it can be investigated.

How can the public assess the threat level now that the color system is gone?

The National Terrorism Advisory System has replaced the color-coded Homeland Security threat level system. Under the new system, alerts will be issued if there is an imminent threat or elevated threat. The alerts will provide a summary of the potential threat, public safety actions, and recommended steps to help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat. In some cases, alerts will be sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private sector, while in others, alerts will be issued to the American people through official and media channels.

What is the impact of budget cuts on regional disaster preparedness?

Federal Homeland Security grants have decreased, but our region remains committed to our comprehensive risk management and emergency preparedness program. We have built strong capabilities in the past 10 years, and our challenge now is to sustain those with the resources available.

The San Diego airport sits in a very populated area. How does the region coordinate with the airport to prevent terrorism?

Our Law Enforcement Coordination Center (LECC) coordinates directly with the Airport and TSA regarding counter-terrorism. In addition, the Unified Disaster Council has established a “lifelines” coordination sub-committee that meets regularly to discuss the inter-relationships of the key agencies within our region, to include SDG&E, the Water Authority, local hospitals, the San Diego Airport, communication companies and others. Through this sub-committee, as well as through regular training and exercises, the region works with the airport authority to coordinate our activities.

What are your areas for improvement in preventing terrorism?

Communication. Our regional communication system is robust but there are always opportunities to expand and improve communication among agencies. Communication technology is also an area that progresses and changes rapidly.

Some argue that this “See Something, Say Something” campaign encourages people to spy on their neighbor. Is that what you are asking people to do?

No, the “See Something, Say Something” campaign is designed to encourage citizens to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and to report activity that is out of the ordinary and suspicious. There have been several attempted terrorist attacks in the United States over the past few years that have been prevented because ordinary citizens noticed something unusual and reported it to authorities.

What are the eight signs of terrorism?

The County of San Diego created a video for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 that explains the eight signs.

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.