Emergencies

Our Emergency Message System is hosted by Everbridge alert system. If you provide contact information The Sea Ranch Association will notify you automatically in an emergency.

Our first priority in notification is your Sea Ranch house which is critical for wildfire evacuations and tsunami alerts.

Providing Contact Information

If you have not provided contact and emergency preparedness information about you and your property or would like to update information please complete the Member Contact Information & Emergency Preparedness form. Instructions for submitting are on the form.If your house is rented long-term please encourage the renters complete the Long Term Renter form. This will enable the system to notify both you and the long-term renter.

Emergency Management seeks to promote a safer, less vulnerable community with the capacity to cope with hazards and disasters.

Our efforts protect the Sea Ranch community by coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters.

DISASTER RESPONSE DIVISION MAPS

Following is a map detailing the Disaster Response Divisions. By clicking on a Division number, you will be shown all streets, trails, power lines, mile markers and fire hydrants within that Division.

EVACUATION MAPS

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, DO YOU KNOW THE CLOSEST ROUTE TO HIGHWAY 1 OR ANNAPOLIS RD?

The following maps provide evacuation routes from all areas of The Sea Ranch. To be prepared, please review the maps for guidance. It is important that you locate your residence on the maps and recognize your nearest exit.

• Evacuation Map #1 (north Sea Ranch)
• Evacuation Map #2 (north central Sea Ranch)
• Evacuation Map #3 (central Sea Ranch)
• Evacuation Map #4 (south central Sea Ranch)
• Evacuation Map #5 (south Sea Ranch)

Preparing for a Disaster

Create An Action Plan

What would you do if an earthquake, tsunami or wildfire occurred? An action plan for different events is a good first step. Key steps to your plan may include:

Learn when, under what circumstances, and how to turn off your utilities.

It is advisable to always keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times.

Identify Hazards

On the Go

Sheltering at Home

Should you be unable to leave your house after a disaster, being prepared could make a world of difference. In addition to the Go Bag you may need additional supplies to shelter at home.

Sheltering in Place

During an incident such as a chemical spill, you may be directed to shelter in place inside your house and advised to seal windows and doors. Deciding ahead of time which room should be designated as a ‘Safe Room’ and having supplies on hand will make this easier.

Flyers & Handouts

Links: Personal Prepardness

Food & Emergency Supplies

Pets

Disaster Response at The Sea Ranch

In every emergency event on The Sea Ranch, the Fire and Sheriff Departments lead our response. All safety directions flow from them to The Sea Ranch Association (TSRA) management and down to staff and volunteers. TSRA will contact you automatically in an emergency. Please provide updated information by completing the Member Contact Information & Emergency Preparedness Form.

To respond to any emergency, TSRA has in place a Disaster Response Team, an extensive organization of staff and volunteers prepared to check conditions in every neighborhood, respond to medical needs appropriately, and establish any needed shelter.

We have established an organizational structure used by all levels of government (federal, state, and local) called the Incident Command System (ICS):

During an emergency, an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated at the TSRA Office on Annapolis Road.

The Incident Command System is comprised of the Incident Commander and Public Information Officer and four sections: Planning, Operations, Logistics and Finance. Each section has specific responsibilities and works in harmony for each event. The Planning section works on pre-planning and anticipating the needs of a particular disaster. They collect, evaluate and disseminate information about every incident. During an event they provide communications to members and the general public, provide maps and documentation, and plan for recovery. The Operations section supports police and fire with security, medical volunteers and shelter operations. The Logistics section is comprised of TSRA Facilities & Resources and The Sea Ranch Water Company, and provides personnel and resources. Logistics oversees the inspection of facilities, roads, maintenance, and deployment of supplies and water resources. The Finance section tracks all expenditures and invoices, complies with all licensure requirements, establishes contact with FEMA, is paramount in the preservation and recovery of all financial data, and tracks employee time records and injuries.

The Volunteer Connection
A Critical Component

Directed by the TSRA Emergency Manager, volunteers with picture identification complete the disaster response team. We are very appreciative of our 100+ volunteers who train year-round to assist members and visitors when needed.

The Sea Ranch is divided into 20 divisions with a Division Leader and supporting Damage Assessors for each. The Leaders participate in monthly radio checks with the Emergency Manager and, in turn, conduct monthly walkie-talkie check-ins with their Damage Assessors. In an event, the Assessors will survey their respective neighborhoods and report their findings to their Division Leader. This communication is then relayed up the Incident Command System for further response, as warranted.

If a disaster calls for the opening of one or more shelter(s), TSRA has three designated shelters. A Shelter Manager for each unit will direct the disaster response team to setup up the shelter and will then oversee its operation. The shelters are The Del Mar Center, Ohlson Ranch House and/or The Sea Ranch Lodge. The first to open will be the Del Mar Center. Each location has automatic backup generators. A supply of water, food, basic first aid supplies, cots, blankets, pet supplies, sanitation necessities, tents and cookware are part of the plan.

With our team of Medical Volunteers, the Del Mar House will function as a Medical Treatment Center and transport hub for the more seriously injured. It must be stated that the shelters do not have medicine for chronic conditions, so members must stock their own supplies for diabetes, heart or respiratory conditions, and other chronic conditions.

We have not forgotten the furry members of our community. We have planned for an Animal Shelter at the Equestrian Center staffed by volunteers, and supplied with tents, bedding, cages, etc. Since there is limited space for people, only ‘Service Animals’ and their owners will be accommodated at the Equestrian Center Lounge where the volunteers will help feed and exercise the service animals. If space allows, ‘Comfort Animals’ will also be allowed with their owners at the center. Additionally, those animals that are found running loose on TSR will be taken to the Equestrian Center where they will be housed, fed and exercised until such time as they are reunited with their owners. In situations where members have lost both home and auto, and have nowhere to keep their animal safe, they may house their animal with cage and supplies at the center, but will be responsible for the feeding, cleaning and general care of their pet. The last condition considered to accommodate members’ animals will be if a member must be medically evacuated and there is no one to take care of their animal.In the event of a disaster, there may a big need for volunteers. If you think you might be interested in volunteering during the time of a disaster, please complete the volunteer form Disaster Volunteer Pre-registration Form

Flyers & Handouts

Preregister to Volunteer

In the event of a disaster, there may a big need for volunteers. If you
think you might be interested in volunteering during the time of a
disaster, please click the link below and complete the form.

Disaster Volunteer Preregistration Sign-up Form

Medical Professionals of all types – Disaster Healthcare Volunteers – Please consider pre-registering with the Healthcare Volunteers of California prior to a disaster event. You have the option of working whenever called upon or when needed on The Sea Ranch.

https://healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov

How To Be Fire Safe At The Sea Ranch – FAQ

What is “defensible space”?

Defensible space is the term used to describe vegetation management practices that reduce flammable materials around your home so that firefighters can defend it effectively in the event of a wildfire.

What is required?

The California State Legislature has extended the requirements for creating “defensible space” around your home from 30 feet to a new standard of 100 feet or more. Under PRC 4291, homeowners are legally responsible for managing the vegetation up to their property line or up to 100 feet, whichever is closer.

Do I have to remove all the vegetation within 100 feet of my house?

Creating defensible space does NOT require clear-cutting or removal of all plants near your house. Best practices include mowing grasses to within 30 feet of your home; clearing brush, excessive duff and deadwood; and trimming off low tree branches to prevent fires from spreading up into the canopy. Other techniques include removing plant varieties which are more flammable (such as coyote bush) and clustering and separating plants, rather than allowing dense, continuous vegetation. Each site, whether forested, meadow, or coastal scrub, requires a different strategy for creating defensible space.

The Living With Fire In Sonoma County booklet published by local fire agencies provides excellent and detailed guidelines for homeowners who wish to create defensible space. This publication is available at The Sea Ranch Association office and at the Cal Fire Station on Annapolis Road or at www.firesafesonoma.org.

Why are we having Cal Fire inspections?

Cal Fire inspectors visit Sea Ranch homes to review with homeowners the actions they need to take under the new law to create an effective defensible space. The Association has provided funds to accelerate the rate of inspections so that all Sea Ranch homes can be inspected.

You can request an appointment to meet with an inspector by calling 707 785-2648. The inspector can advise you on what is required and suggest specific steps you can take to ensure a more defensible space around your home.

Standard fuel management practices such as mowing will not require a permit. If the work needed to make your home fire-safe is more extensive and does require a permit, you should attach a copy of the Cal Fire Inspection Report to your application.

What are the procedures for creating defensible space around my home?

When considering requests for vegetation removal, the Department of Design, Compliance and Environmental Management (DCEM) follows the standard policies and procedures outlined in The Sea Ranch Design Manual and Rules (Section 7.4 Vegetation Management). The DCEM staff coordinates closely with Cal Fire inspectors and with homeowners to create defensible space, while also taking into account other important homeowner values such as privacy and maintaining the natural character of the site.

Although PRC 4291 only requires you to be concerned about the vegetation on your own property, you may wish to extend defensible space for your home beyond your property line. Below is a summary of what procedures to use when you want to remove vegetation on:

What procedures do I follow to remove or trim vegetation on my property?

The Association encourages homeowners to keep vegetation around their homes trimmed to reduce fire risk. When you are planning to remove vegetation on your own property, you need to check with the DCEM staff by calling 707-785-2316. You will not usually need to file a formal proposal if your work is limited to:

You may need to file a Tree Proposal Application form if the vegetation you plan to remove requires a permit under Section 7.4 of the Design Manual rules. You would normally need a permit to:

What procedures do I use for extending defensible space for my home onto commons?

If your property adjoins commons and you want to extend your defensible space into a commons area, you must check with DCEM staff prior to making any alterations in vegetation. Most vegetation removal that homeowners undertake to meet PRC 4291 requirements is quickly and informally approved and does not require any formal proposal or permit. The homeowner is responsible for all costs incurred for work done on commons to create a defensible space for his or her home.

In general, if the work you plan to do follows the recommendations of the Cal Fire inspection, it will be approved. The formal Tree Proposal is required only in special circumstances so that neighbors who may be impacted have an opportunity to comment on the proposed removal of vegetation. The DCEM staff will work with homeowners, neighbors and the Cal Fire inspectors to resolve any issues that arise, with highest priority given to fire safety.

What if I want to extend defensible space for my home onto my neighbor’s property?

The Association encourages neighbors to work together to create defensible space on their properties. As a homeowner, your legal responsibility only extends to your property line, but you may wish to extend beyond your property line, particularly if the defensible space to your property line is less than the recommended 100 feet.

Your neighbor’s legal responsibility is to protect his or her home with 100 feet of defensible space. If your neighbor’s home is further than 100 feet from the property line you share or if the lot is undeveloped, your neighbor is not required by law to remove vegetation in order to provide defensible space for your home.

If you wish to remove vegetation on your neighbor’s property to extend your defensible space, you first need to receive permission from your neighbor. The DCEM can assist you with this process. Once you receive permission, you also need to check with the DCEM regarding the work you plan to do. Unless you and your neighbor make other arrangements, you, as the homeowner creating defensible space for your home, are responsible for all costs and debris removal.

CAL FIRE Season Outlook
2023 Fire Season

Once again, thank you to The Sea Ranch Bulletin for another opportunity to say a few things about fire safety at Sea Ranch. Well, it looks like we will have some extra water in the rivers, reservoirs, and dams this year. One thing to keep in mind with all the rain is the added fuel loading caused by the extra growth of grass, shrubs and brush that will be present throughout the 2023 fire season.

Once again, we want to remind people of a few things to keep in mind during any wildland fire event. The most important thing we need from the community is for people to abide with evacuation orders. If you remain at your house when there is a fire, our priority becomes getting you to safety, instead of perimeter control or structure defense. Place the county evacuation tag on your address marker. Have ‘go bags’ ready. Get out while you can. Make sure to have defensible space around your house (100 ft clearance or to property line). New for 2023 defensible space is “Zone Zero”. This is the first 5 feet around your house that we are calling the “ember reduction zone”. This is to make sure there is nothing combustible within 5 feet of any house. https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace/ . Do what you can to cover your attic and foundation vents as to not allow sparks to enter the building. Have a ladder set up and in place at your house leading to the roof. Have a good water source easily accessible for fire engines (even an available garden hose helps us top off tanks). Cover all wood piles with a nonflammable covering. For anyone interested in hearing and seeing more about defensible space, we are hosting a fire safety walk on Sunday June 18th at 10:00 a.m. starting from the CAL FIRE station across from the airport.

With all the extra rain this winter came the high winds. At the height of the storms, between the Timber Cove, Sea Ranch, and Gualala areas we had over 300 trees down on roadways. Many trees took down powerlines and damaged houses. Several injuries to civilians, and one firefighter injury were sustained from falling trees and stormy weather. One infant was killed in the town of Occidental when struck by a tree that came through the house. The storms kept all the local fire departments busy for days cleaning up the mess.

Once again, a loud shout out to all our local cooperators and neighboring agencies for all their diligence, hard work and dedication. A special thanks goes to; CAL FIRE, North Sonoma Coast Fire, Coast Life Support District, Redwood Coast Medical Services, South Coast Fire, Timber Cove Fire, Sonoma County Sheriff, Sea Ranch Security, CHP, The Sea Ranch Association, PG&E, Country Roads Department, Cal Trans, and all the other agencies that respond during emergencies in our area.

I wanted to also say thanks to the Sea Ranch community as a whole for all the support and donations to the Sea Ranch Volunteer Firefighter Association. Some of these donations are being used to help North Sonoma Coast Fire Protection District in the purchase and replacement of outdated fire engines and equipment.

We will continue to plan for the worst and hope for the best. With all the added rainfall the past 5 months, I am going to remain optimistic about 2023 fire season. Once again, as long as there are no major dry lightning storms, or sustained hot dry wind events, we should be able to handle things in the area.

Redwood Miller
Fire Captain CAL FIRE/North Sonoma Coast Fire Protection District

How You Can Help Us Help You

Advice from: CAL FIRE and North Sonoma Coast Fire Protection District

Pre-Fire preparation:

• Create a defensible space around your home per Public Resources Code 4291 and The Sea Ranch Inspection Program.
• Call CAL FIRE @ 707-785-2648 with any questions or clarifications regarding PRC 4291, the inspection program or to request an inspection.
• Know every possible evacuation route from your home. Likely routes will be to Hwy 1 and then head North or South depending on the direction the fire is traveling or direction given by law enforcement or Fire Personnel. An alternate safety zone may be Annapolis Rd to the clearing created by the Fire Station, Airport and Verdant View.
• Have a checklist of those things that you would want to grab if you had time to prepare for your evacuation. (Example: the above plus: valuables, photos, clothes etc.)

If a Wildfire is approaching the general area:

• Park your vehicle facing out, pack your vehicle according to your checklist and keep keys, cell phone and flashlight easily accessible.
• Secure your pets, prepare them for transport.
• Close all windows, heavy drapes, blinds and shutters if present.
• Remove any sheer window coverings.
• Place a ladder against the house on side away from oncoming fire, this will provide easy access to the roof for firefighters.
• Move any combustible yard furniture into garage or away from home.
• Leave garden hoses (hooked up) and full buckets of water around home.
• Leave electricity ON and turn on porch light and some interior lights.
• Dress in long pants, long sleeved shirt, goggles or glasses, a bandana to cover face and a baseball cap. Wear 100% cotton if possible.
• Use phones (cell and house) only when necessary, circuits can become overwhelmed potentially causing emergency calls not to go through.

During Evacuation:

• Leave a door of your home unlocked. If firefighters make a stand at your home they will need to gain access for their own safety in the case of an unexpected fire blow up.
• If you have prepared a Fire Department Info Tag place on door (see printable tag)
• Drive slowly and safely; turn headlights and flashers on.
• Be aware that emergency vehicles are likely on their way in.
• If you are trapped by fire, park as close to the inside of the road as possible without driving off the road and disabling your vehicle, stay inside your vehicle and keep engine running, close vents, cover yourself with a blanket and get down as low as possible. Call 911 and let dispatcher know that you are evacuating from a fire on the Sea Ranch and you have become trapped. (Give as exact of a location as possible)

Fire approaches too quickly for a safe evacuation:

• Stay inside your home away from the outside walls.
• Keep doors closed but unlocked.
• Call 911 and let dispatcher know that you are trapped in your home.
• It will be very hot inside the house but potentially deadly outside.

How will community members be notified?

Life threat is immediate:

• Sheriff, Fire and Security (if safe) will notify through their PA system and/or door to door.
• The TSRA will activate their Everbridge Emergency Notification System for the area that is threatened. You will receive a text, an email and/or phone call with information and instructions (evacuate immediately), it will require your acknowledgment.
• The county reverse 911 system will be activated and SoCoAlert.

Evacuation is possible but fire has not reached an area of immediate threat:

• The TSRA will activate their Everbridge Emergency Notification System for the area that is threatened. You will receive a text, an email and/or phone call with information and instructions (prepare for an evacuation), it will require your acknowledgment.
• Fire and Law Enforcement will constantly evaluate the need to evacuate.

After the fire passes:

• Check the exterior and roof immediately, extinguish all sparks and embers.
• Check area around home for any burning material and extinguish if safe.

Flyers & Handouts

Links: Fire Resources

Beach Hazards

TSRA has teamed up with NOAA National Weather Service to share important beach safety. “Know Before You Go” and “Learn To Be Wave Safe.” Check out the following links to help you enjoy our beautiful ocean and beaches during your time on The Sea Ranch.

Links: Beach Resources

Earthquakes at The Sea Ranch

Most Association members are aware of the fact that their lots lie at most one-half mile from one of the largest transform fault zones in the Western Hemisphere, the San Andreas Fault Zone (SAFZ). It is the boundary between two tectonic plates, the Pacific and North American, which are slowly grinding past one another on average at the rate of 1-3 cm per year. This has been going on for at least 25 and perhaps as long as 45 million years. It has resulted in the relative displacement, of one plate with respect to the other, of hundreds of miles. The sedimentary and volcanic rocks that make up The Sea Ranch bluffs were initially laid down in ocean basins far to the south. Periodically, large-scale movements are recorded on the SAFZ; the most recent in Northern California (1989) was associated with the Loma Prieta earthquake.

The SAFZ is a broad zone, perhaps 0.5- to I-mile wide, in Northern California. It consists of a family of quasi-parallel north-south trending faults including the most recent major breaks, such as occurred in 1906. Related is a group of similar trending faults lying offshore 1-2 miles to the west of the coastline. In the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the San Andreas broke over a large part of its 1,000-mile length. At The Sea Ranch, the surface break was seen on the western slopes leading down to the Gualala River. Traces of the old fractures can still be seen in some road cuts in the area. However, the relatively rapid erosion of the unconsolidated, ancient landslide deposits leading down to the river have obscured the breaks within the Ranch, e.g., above the “Hot Spot.” Because the area was largely inaccessible in 1906, the exact displacement along the break or breaks was not recorded but, elsewhere in the Fort Ross-Alder Creek area, displacements of 10-15 feet are a matter of record.

Frequent questions in the minds of Sea Ranchers are: When can we expect the next big earthquake? Will we have any warning? What is the history of earthquake activity in this are? If I feel an earthquake, how can I find out where it originated? The answer to each of these questions deserves more space than available here. Nonetheless, a few words may be appropriate.

Predicting earthquakes, whether big or small, is not possible although some information concerning probability of occurrence is available. Historical records are also useful. For example, in 1994, in conjunction with some archaeological excavations in the vicinity of Fort Ross, trenching by geologists revealed breaks and offsets indicating that six large ancient earthquakes within the SAFZ preceded the 1906 quake. Each had a displacement of 3.5-4 meters and was separated by 300-350 years.

One approach to predicting earthquakes is to determine where there are “seismic gaps” or quiet zones where unrelieved strain may be building up. The U.S. Geological Survey has done this for the length of the San Andreas and has recognized the North Coast area including The Sea Ranch as within a long seismic gap extending from just south of Cape Mendocino to San Francisco. There have been no major or moderate earthquakes along this segment since 1906. Nevertheless, tremors frequently jolt the North Coast. The bulk of those tremors originates along the offshore northwest-southeast trending Mendocino Fracture Zone, another plate boundary beyond which the SAFZ cannot be recognized. This fracture zone, west of Petrolia, is the most seismically active region in the conterminous U.S. Earthquakes of Richter magnitudes of 5-6 are common in the course of a year, and The Sea Ranch feels the larger of them. In addition, we feel small local tremors frequently on offshore faults, such as the swarm of 13 small events from August 19 through September 1994 that were located 2 miles northwest of the Sea Ranch/Gualala area. There are also occasional tremors within the central SAFZ along the Fort Ross-Point Arena segment; however, they are typically of low magnitude and the precise location of their epicenters is not always possible.

The general consensus is that there will be some minor seismic activity or foreshocks proceeding any large- scale movement on the San Andreas perhaps years in advance. On this account, it is a consolation that almost any seismic activity on the northern segment of the SAFZ attracts the attention of the whole seismic community.

For more detail concerning history of earthquakes at Sea Ranch, see: I. Borg, “The San Andreas Fault at The Sea Ranch,” The Sea Ranch Soundings, Fall 1992, no. 34,pp. 6-7.

Also walk the San Andreas Interpretative Trail, just uphill from the Hot Spot. A pamphlet is available at the head of the trail that allows you to locate signs of the last big quake.

Links: Earthquake Resources

Winter Storm Preparedness

Every year we have several winter storms, some of which are severe and can cause extended power outages. Your best bet to weather the storm is to be prepared with flashlights and a battery operated lantern, oil lamps, extra blankets, dry wood, ready-to-eat foods, a manual can opener, and a telephone that doesn’t rely on electricity. Minimize travel to avoid trees and mudslides which could block the roadways. During an extended power outage (expected to be longer than 24 hours), the Del Mar Center may be opened as well as Ohlson Ranch House and the Sea Ranch Lodge as shelters. There are emergency generators which provide power, lights, and heat to the kitchen and shelter facilities.

Flyers & Handouts

Links: Winter Storm Resources

Tsunamis in California

Tsunami Basics

What:

Tsunamis most commonly originate from large earthquakes along subduction zones around the rim of the Pacific Ocean.

Where:

A tsunami is a series of waves or surges that can have enough force to destroy buildings and harm people. Tsunamis can last for hours, and the first wave is typically not the largest.

How:

Tsunamis are typically generated by earthquakes along subduction zones and other submarine faults where significant vertical movement of the sea floor results in a rise of the ocean surface.

Know What to Do

Feel:

If you are at the beach or near the coast and you FEEL strong earthquake shaking that lasts for more than 20 seconds, or ….

See or Hear:

…. If you SEE the tide go out or a large frothy wave coming ashore, or you HEAR a roaring wave coming or a warning/siren sounding, you should ….

Respond:

…. RESPOND by moving quickly to high ground or far enough inland to get away from a potential tsunami.

Flyers & Handouts

Links: Tsunami Resources

Now available to all Sea Rancher Members are the following instructional videos. From time to time we will be posting new links on various topics. These videos are especially helpful if you are thinking about helping in a disaster.

Disaster Damage Assessment

Pet First-Aid and CPR

Safe food handling for emergency shelters

Rental Tent Setup

CERT Online Training