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Potential Hazards

Click on the links below to learn more about potential hazards.
  • Earthquakes
    • General information
      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:

    • 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.
  • Energy Shortage / Power Outage
  • Heavy Rain / El Niño
    • How to Prepare

      Learn what to do so you're ready when heavy rains come.   

      What to do during a storm?

    • Sandbag Information

      Learn where to get sandbags and how to use them.  

    • 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.

    • General information
      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
  • Other Human-Caused Hazards
    • General information
      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
  • Radiation Emergency
  • School Violence
    • 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.
  • Severe Heat
    • 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 & 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:

      Senior Center
      799 Pine Ave.
      760-755-1666

      Dove Library
      1775 Dove Lane
      760-602-2049

    • Additional information
  • Severe Weather
    • 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.
  • Terrorism Q & A
    • 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?
    • What are some prevention tips?
      • If your suspicion is aroused, ask the individual if you can help them find someone or some destination. Only provide appropriate assistance after confirming their identity.
      • If you are uncomfortable challenging the individual and if safe to do so, continue to monitor their direction of travel and ask a co-worker to contact your supervisor or call 9-1-1. Be prepared to provide location, address, phone number, description of the individual and incident, etc.
      • If you find a suspicious object, do not open, move, sniff or touch the object. Move away from the object, evacuate the area and call 9-1-1.
      • Never disturb a suspicious device.
      • Remember: If you see something, say something.
    • 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 Sept 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 t
    • 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.
  • Tornado
    • General information
      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.
  • Urban Structure Fire
    • 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 Fire
    • General information
      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.
  • Workplace Violence
    • General information

      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.
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