Sonshine Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 My son is in Santa Barbara in a hotel one block from the beach. We live many states away. I've tried calling the hotel and fire departments. They all are very unconcerned and unaware. Yet, Santa Barbara is being mentioned on the national news as a place that may be affected because it's low laying. Short of calling 911 the police department can't be reached. I don't know which of two hotels he's in and one doesn't answer the phone after hours. The other hotel doesn't have internet access and so the clerk said he doesn't know what's going on. If anyone has any information I would appreciate it. The fire department said FEMA would tell them what to do. As someone who has lived through two hurricanes, FEMA is no help whatsoever. If waiting on FEMA is their plan, there is no plan. I'm concerned about flooding. If a 6 feet high wave hits the beach that could be 6 feet of water hitting the hotel. That's a lot to deal with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mama Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 :grouphug: I know that you are worried. I would imagine that if that area is going to be affected they will react like they have been in Hawaii - evacuating and moving to higher ground. I hope you hear from your son soon so you will feel more at ease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonshine Posted March 11, 2011 Author Share Posted March 11, 2011 The US Tsunami Center is predicting a 1 to 3 feet wave. The news says that Santa Barbara emergency officials are preparing, yet the fire department seemed to barely be aware of the tsunami and was not preparing at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I've heard the wave on the Cal coast should be about 20" maybe 2', not 6'. So, there will be flooding, but mostly I think people need to stay off the beach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Don't know if this helps, but the Santa Barbara geography is very different from the East Coast. I don't remember hotels right on the beach the way you get out here. I lived in Isla Vista on a street across from the beach and I wouldn't have worried about a tsunami - there were about 15' high cliffs to get to the beach. Downtown, I can't remember anything that's not a good bit back from the beach (except for anything that's on the pier). I lived in Santa Barbara in the early-mid 90s, so it has been a while, but based on my time then there, I don't think I'd be worrying right now if my son and husband were out there now. :grouphug: Hope you get reassuring news in a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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