Don't Panic South Bay: Tsunami, Evacuation Alert Is Only A Test

TORRANCE, CA — Don't panic Thursday if you hear a tsunami warning or evacuation alert, or even see flashing lights at Torrance Beach. It's only a test.

A new beach emergency evacuation system will be tested at Torrance Beach Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors.

This is the first official, scheduled test of the Beach Emergency Evacuation Lights System (BEELS), a new beach evacuation alert system designed for all beachgoers, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

During a beach evacuation, BEELS will flash white LED lights mounted on permanent structures and some lifeguard towers, as well as broadcast an audible siren and an evacuation announcement in both English and Spanish. The announcement message will change depending on the type of evacuation, and the lights will flash slowly for a water-only evacuation and quickly for a full beach evacuation.

Other beaches have audible sirens to warn visitors about beach evacuations, but BEELS is the first worldwide to incorporate flashing lights specifically to alert those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

While some of the tests scheduled for April 29 will have announcements saying, "This is only a test," the actual recorded messages warning of evacuations will also be tested. This means that beachgoers and neighbors may hear evacuation alerts for tsunami warnings, severe thunderstorms, shark sightings, earthquakes, and other beach and water emergencies. These messages will be played at maximum volume, so people with sensitive hearing may wish to avoid the area.

Torrance Beach will pilot BEELS as part of the county's commitment to increasing beach access in Los Angeles. The visible and audible safety alert program could also expand to every Los Angeles County beach. Learn more at beaches.lacounty.gov/beels.

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors manages 25 miles of beaches along the coastline, including Marina del Rey harbor, Zuma, Malibu, Surfrider and Venice beaches. DBH also operates Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey. For more information, visit the website at beaches.lacounty.gov.

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