North Coast Agencies to Hold Regional Tsunami Drill and Alert Test Tomorrow
Tomorrow, emergency officials across Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino Counties will conduct a regional tsunami drill and test of the emergency alert notification system. Coordinated in partnership with the National Weather Service in Eureka, the event is part of an ongoing effort to improve public readiness for coastal hazards. Lauren Schmitt reports…
Humboldt County’s Office of Emergency Services posted the following information:
“The North Coast Tsunami Drill is happening this Wednesday, March 26 at 11 a.m.!
Join the Office of Emergency Services in Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties as we practice our earthquake and tsunami plans.
As part of this drill, Humboldt County OES will be issuing a countywide Humboldt Alert test notification. This opt-in system requires you to register to receive notifications.
To review your Humboldt Alert account and contact preferences, or to sign up to receive alerts, visit humboldtgov.org/alert.
𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲! Check if your home, workplace, or favorite spots are in a tsunami zone: rctwg.humboldt.edu/tsunami-hazard-maps.
Let us know if you’re participating: bit.ly/NCTsunamiDrillForm.
Planning and practicing ahead of a disaster can make the next event less stressful. Let’s be Tsunami Ready!”
This year’s drill will not include a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) or any operational sirens. These systems were thoroughly tested on December 5th, 2024, during the actual tsunami warning issued for the region. The Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group partners agreed that it would not be in the best interest of the community to trigger a live-code tsunami warning so soon after a real event.
However, the community of Shelter Cove will be conducting its own community-wide tsunami drill, including a test of their local sirens. These sirens are operated not by the county, but by the Resort Improvement District.
The Shelter Cove drill will take place after the countywide alert at noon. Participants are encouraged to walk or drive to the Shelter Cove Fire Department, located outside the tsunami hazard zone, where free meals will be provided to those who take part, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
