Holiday Observed March 31 | Día festivo observado el 31 de marzo

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All SBPL locations will be closed on Tuesday, March 31 for the City Observed Holiday.

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Tsunami

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Join Us! Tsunami Preparedness Week - March 21- 29, 2026 

The City of Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Services urges residents and businesses to take the following steps to stay prepared:

  • Know Your Tsunami Zone – Check if your home, workplace, or school is in a tsunami hazard area by visiting the California Tsunami Hazard Area Map at https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/tsunami/maps
  • Recognize Natural Warning Signs – A strong or long earthquake, rapid water recession, or unusual ocean noises may signal an incoming tsunami. If you notice these signs, move to higher ground immediately.
  • Understand Official Warnings – Pay attention to emergency alerts from local officials, the National Weather Service, and NOAA Tsunami Warnings.
  • Plan Your Evacuation Route – Identify the nearest tsunami evacuation routes and practice reaching higher ground.
  • Sign Up for Emergency Alerts – Register for Santa Barbara County emergency notifications at https://www.readysbc.org/  to receive real-time updates
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What is a Tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of powerful, fast-moving waves. Even a tsunami with just a peak wave height of 2-3 feet can flood coastal communities, impact harbor traffic and infrastructure, and cause other damage and casualties. Most are generated by large, offshore earthquakes, but landslides, volcanic eruptions, and even meteorite crashes can cause tsunamis too. If the source is distant, you may have hours before waves arrive; if nearby, just a matter of mere minutes.

What alerts could be issued if a tsunami were to occur?

Get to know the different types of official tsunami messages. 

Tsunami Warning: Dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents. Move to high ground or inland. 

Tsunami Advisory: Strong currents and waves dangerous to those in or very near water. Stay out of water, away from beaches and waterways. 

Tsunami Watch: Hazard not yet known. Stay tuned for more information. Be prepared to act. 

Tsunami Information Statement: No threat or very distant event for which hazard has not been determined. No action suggested at this time. 

Provides information about the different types of official tsunami messages.