“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.”Community Emergency Alert & Warning SystemsMarch 3, 2026 2CITY OFMANHATTAN BEACH“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.” City ContextLocated in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, Manhattan Beach is vulnerable to (amongst others):• Earthquakes• Tsunamis• Hazardous material releases• Industrial incidentsThe City's proximity to the Chevron Refinery in El Segundo makes robust emergency communications essential.
BACKGROUND
MARCH 3, 2026EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
October 2025 IncidentA significant incident occurred at the Chevron Refinery in El Segundo requiring emergency notifications to Manhattan Beach residents and businesses.This incident prompted a comprehensive review of the City's alert and warning capabilities.City Council subsequently requested a detailed report on emergency communications infrastructure and improvements implemented since October 2025. 3CITY OFMANHATTAN BEACH“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.”
EMERGENCY ALERT & WARNING SYSTEMS
MARCH 3, 2026EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
A comprehensive, multi-layered approach ensures critical information reaches residents through multiple channels.Alert SouthBayRegional Everbridge system — voice, SMS, and email alerts. Serves 15 cities. Used by 60+ federal agencies.IPAWS (Federal)FEMA-managed system delivering Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and NOAA Weather Radio.Social MediaActive accounts on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and GoReach for rapid, verified information sharing.Resident DatabaseCity-maintained contact database integrated with Alert SouthBay. No registration required —reaches vulnerable populations.MBTV & Website24/7 local cable broadcasting and manhattanbeach.gov serve as central hubs for emergency information and updates. GovDelivery email subscriptions.Physical SystemsElectronic changeable message signs (CMS), police/fire public address systems, 4CITY OFMANHATTAN BEACH“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.”
UNIFIED COMMAND
MARCH 3, 2026EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Phase 1Detection & Dispatch•Emergency detected via 911, sensor, field unit, or outside agency•Dispatch appropriate responders based on incident type Phase 2First Responder Size- UpPhase 3Incident Command EstablishedPhase 4Unified Command(if multi-agency) Consists of the Incident commanders from the various jurisdictions or agencies operating together to form a single command structure •Arriving units assess scope, hazards, and immediate needs•Determines whether additional resources are required •Jurisdictional responder activates the Incident Command System (ICS)•Command post set up at safe distance from scene •Activated when incident crosses jurisdictional lines
5CITY OFMANHATTAN BEACH“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.”
UNIFIED COMMAND
MARCH 3, 2026EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Phase 5Situation Assessment•Field units and outside agencies provide intelligence•IC builds a complete operational picture: Cause, Spread, Impact Phase 6Protective Action DecisionPhase 7Emergency Notifications IssuedPhase 8Ongoing Public Communication Consists of the Incident commanders from the various jurisdictions or agencies operating together to form a single command structure •IC determines appropriate public action: shelter-in-place, evacuation, or warning•Decision based on threat type, speed, and available resources •Targeted alerts sent via Alert SouthBay, WEA, EAS, social media, and message signs (if applicable)•Messages are clear, actionable: What to do, Where to go •Updated alerts issued as the situation evolves•City website, social media, and media outlets provide detailed guidance 6CITY OFMANHATTAN BEACH“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.” ENHANCEMENTS: REGIONAL COORDINATION
MARCH 3, 2026EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Following the October 2025 incident, City staff convened with regional partners to strengthen coordination.City of El Segundo(Local Implementing Agency)Chevron CorporationAlert SouthBayKEY OUTCOMES01Enhanced Communication ProtocolsImproved coordination between Chevron, the City of El Segundo, and neighboring jurisdictions.02Clarified Notification TriggersDefined thresholds and triggers for when regional alerts must be issued.03Approved Holding StatementEl Segundo approved a holding statement for use in the event of a Chevron facility incident.04Updated SOPsAlert South Bay Task Force reviewed and revised standard operating procedures for industrial incident notifications. 7CITY OFMANHATTAN BEACH“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.” ENHANCEMENTS: SYSTEMS & PLAYBOOK
MARCH 3, 2026EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
In-House Genasys AdministratorsGenasys is an emergency management and public safety platform enabling targeted alerts via Alert SouthBay to specific geographic areas.The City has trained and designated in-house Genasys Administrators who can:• Send targeted alerts to specific geographic zones• Communicate rapidly with affected residents during shelter-in-place or evacuation events First Responder Communications PlaybookStaff developed a comprehensive First Responder Playbook providing clear, standardized guidance for emergency communications.The Playbook includes:• Procedures for performing evacuations by Unified Incident Commanders• Identification of emergency notification types• Community relocation center locations• Red Cross evacuation shelter locations 8CITY OFMANHATTAN BEACH“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.”
PUBLIC OUTREACH
MARCH 3, 2026EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
1 Town HallThe City hosted a town hall to engage residents and provide information on emergency preparedness and regional notification systems.2Know Your Zone CampaignA public awareness campaign launched to help residents identify their emergency zone and understand appropriate protective actions for their area.3Alert Sign-Up MailerThe City will distribute a mailer to area residents, funded by Chevron, encouraging them to register for Alert South Bay notifications to ensure timely alerts during industrial incidents.