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Emergency & Safety Information

   DIAL 911 IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

Emergency and safety information is provided here. We anticipate your vacation will be trouble-free. However, in case a disaster befalls you or the region, we urge you to read this information.

On This page find emergency information about the various situations that you may encounter while visiting or staying in Sea Ranch.  You will find resources for your personal  preparedness while visiting Sea Ranch and neighboring communities.

The safety information included here includes important information to help you make your vacation’s personal preparedness plan. We want to make sure you and your family have a safe, healthy and fun vacation at Abalone Bay.

Know before you go

In case of bad weather, fire, or other emergencies we recommend you note the following:

emergency information
Emergency Helicopter service is available to fly you to the nearest full-service hospital

Immediate and Direct Emergency Information/Resources

You are encouraged to use the Sonoma County’s Emergency website for additional information and updates. 

Sonoma County has experienced a number of disasters over the past several years including floods, earthquakes, power shutoffs, pandemic, and wildfires. The County’s alert and warning systems have grown to notify residents and visitors of an emergency in their area early and accurately. Many alerts require individuals opt-in, below are links to sign-up and information on additional warning systems. 

This information will help you be ready, stay vigilant, and BE prepared for action if required.

SoCal alert logo

SoCoAlert – 

Upon signing up for SoCoAlert, select to receive alerts through landline calls, cell phone text messages, or pre-recorded verbal messages and email. The system also works with telephone devices for the deaf.

Learn more about SoCoAlert »

Nixle logo

Nixle –

Receive email and text messages from local fire and law enforcement agencies that include public safety messages as well as emergency information.

Text your zip code (The Sea Ranch: 95497) to 888777 to opt-in or sign up online to receive email, text or voice messages with alerts and advisories.

NOAA logo

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio – 

This alert system is available for purchase at a relatively low cost. When properly programmed, the National Weather Service can remotely turn on these radios and send basic alerts, including for wildfire. The message may be accompanied by a warning tone, depending on the model of radio you purchase.

Sonoma County residents may tune their NOAA radio to frequency 162.475.

SoCo Weather Monitor

Sonoma County Monitoring System: An AI alert system built and operated by Sonoma County citizens

Other Sonoma County /Sea Ranch Emergency Weather and Road Resources

Medical Emergencies~ Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS

I can personally attest and assure that Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS), located in Gualala provides quality healthcare to the coastal communities of Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. 

Urgent Care available 7 days a week 
​Weekdays 8 am-6 pm. Weekends & Holidays On Call.
​On holidays and weekends there is limited staffing, please call 884-4005 first.

 In an emergency always call 911. After hours you will be connected to TEAMHealth Medical Call Center, a 24/7 nurse staffed medical advice line.

Information about Emergency Transport and Air Ambulance

In the light of the fact that the nearest hospital is two hours away, the Coast Life Support District (CLSD) provides paramedic ambulance response and transport. The CLSD ambulance district was founded by special state legislation, approved by a large majority of district voters, and is supported by fees for services and a per-parcel benefit assessment.

Air Ambulance

Air (helicopter) ambulance service is available on the coast from REACH and occasionally from Sonoma County Sheriff’s Henry 1 helicopter. If helicopter evacuation is required it is not possible to choose which service will be used; whichever service is available at the time will be dispatched.

Memberships can be purchased for a small annual fee from both REACH  to cover the cost of transport.

Urgent Care Department

The Urgent Care Department at RCMS’ Gualala facility is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Urgent Care services are also available on an on-call basis from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays – call 707-884-4005.

To learn more about RCMS, its services and its experienced team of medical, dental and behavioral health providers, please go to the RCMS website at www.rcms-healthcare.org or call 707-884-4005. Locations of all three RCMS health centers are included on the website including hours/days that each is open and phone numbers.

Emergency Telephone Contacts

First and most important, Sea Ranch Security is NOT an emergency service provider. The primary role of our Security Officers is to observe and report problems to appropriate agencies and to assist where they can be helpful within their scope of training.

EMERGENCY CALLS MUST BE DIRECTED TO 9-1-1, NOT TO SECURITY

If a fire, medical, or law enforcement problem presents itself, even if it seems minor, only a public safety agency has jurisdiction. Fires (no matter how small), medical emergencies, lost or missing persons, traffic accidents, and suspected crimes in progress should be reported to 9-1-1.

WHO TO CALL IN AN EMERGENCY ON THE SEA RANCH

[table width =”100%” style =”” responsive =”false”] [table_head] [th_column]Problem or Service[/th_column] [th_column]If you are calling from
our Landline, dial:[/th_column] [th_column]If you are calling from your Cell Phone, dial:[/th_column] [/table_head] [table_body] [table_row] [row_column]Fire[/row_column] [row_column]911[/row_column] [row_column]707–565-2121[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Medical[/row_column] [row_column]911[/row_column] [row_column]707-565-2121[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Safety[/row_column] [row_column]911[/row_column] [row_column]707-565-2121 [/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Law enforcement[/row_column] [row_column]911[/row_column] [row_column]707-565-2121[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Search and rescue[/row_column] [row_column]911[/row_column] [row_column]707-565-2121[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Non-injury vehicle accident (Highway Patrol)[/row_column] [row_column]707–588-1400[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Security, vandalism, disturbance, trespass[/row_column] [row_column]707-785-2701 Sea Ranch Security[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Mountain lion sighting[/row_column] [row_column]785-2701 Sea Ranch Security[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Sea Ranch Fire Department, non-emergency[/row_column] [row_column]707–785-2648 Sea Ranch Fire Dept.[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Paramedic/EMT and ambulance, non-emergency[/row_column] [row_column]707-884-1829 Coast Life Support[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS), Gualala[/row_column] [row_column]707- 884-4005[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [row_column]Sonoma County Sheriff, non-emergency[/row_column] [row_column]707-565-2511[/row_column] [/table_row] [table_row] [/table_body] [/table]

For that one occasion, for various reasons, when you are not able to reach a 9-1-1 operator on your residence phone, download this document: Who to Call in an Emergency on The Sea Ranch (Pdf)

What is a Red Flag Warning?

Red Flag Warning

A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high. 

No matter the weather report currently, I strongly suggest you prepare as if we were going to have a PSPS, (Public Safety Power Shutoff) and as if we were going to have a dangerous wind-driven fire.  Better to be prepared and safe now rather than very sorry later.

Sea Ranch Abalone Bay’s Safety Precautions

You will find at Abalone Bay the following safety related items:

  • Fire Alarm that is frequently tested 
  • CO2 Alarm – hardwired to the house
  • Fire extinguishers and fire mats in  the kitchen, garage, and barbecue area plus an extra in the supplies closet
  • First aid kits for guests and their pets

Personal Preparedness

In the event of an emergency, we provide information as well as resources for a Shelter in Place. In addition, there are emergency supplies located in the hall closet. Each bedroom has flashlights. Moreover, we maintain an emergency crank battery operated radio. Plus, our welcome book includes safety tips and emergency information.

Below are other tips:

Quick Tips from Our Emergency Team
Steps to Becoming Personally Prepared
What to Do in an Emergency

Click HERE for Quick Tips from Sea Ranch’s Emergency Information Team

For the locations of the 13 AED units on The Sea Ranch with links to websites with more information and brief instructions for operating the units click here. This provides you a pdf of our Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) locations.

General Emergency Information for Potential Hazards

Fire Protection

The Sea Ranch Volunteer Fire Department and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)

Our rural environment with natural vegetation is vulnerable to wildfires.  In order to protect our lives, homes and environment: No Smoking, No Fireworks, No Open Flames. Smoking is prohibited year ‘round on all trails, common areas and restricted common areas of The Sea Ranch.  Dry forest and grasslands are an extreme wildfire hazard. Always know your potential evacuation route, and how to get to Highway One, preferably two different ways.

More info at these websites:

Sea Ranch Fire Safe Council http://www.firesafecouncil.org/
Fire Safe Sonoma http://www.firesafesonoma.org/
CalFire http://www.fire.ca.gov/index.php
The Sea Ranch Volunteer Fire Department

Wildfire Procedures when fire approaches 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.

Evacuation Preparation – Sonoma County

This short video will help you be prepared to evacuate and includes information about hi-lo sirens, Nixle, and SoCoAlert. 

Winter Storms and Power Outages

Every year we have several winter storms, some of which are severe and can cause extended power outages.  To help you to weather the storm we provide flashlights and a battery-operated lantern,  extra blankets, a manual can opener. Be sure that you have stocked and on hand ready-to-eat foods, and a telephone (cell)  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 and the Ohlson Ranch House will be open as shelters.  They each have an emergency generator that provides power, lights, heat and kitchen facilities.

Resources

Evacuation Route for Abalone Bay and Neighborhood:

The Sea Ranch is located in the evacuation zone, SON-1A1

emergency information, Evacuation route for Abalone Bay.
The evacuation route for Abalone Bay.

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.
  • 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  911 dispatcher as exact of a location as possible-
  • You are staying at 36905 Green Cove Drive, The Sea Ranch. Unit 18…Lot 78.

Police Protection

Emergency information about Law enforcement on The Sea Ranch is provided by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department, and on Highway 1 by the California Highway Patrol.

Wild Animals

Our natural, rural environment is home to many wild creatures.  Among the deer, rabbits and foxes, we also have the occasional mountain lion.

Here are tips for staying safe in mountain lion country (PDF).

Sonoma County Earthquake Hazard

Sonoma County is bounded on the west and the east by earthquake faults. As a result  emergency information,  there are four active or potentially active earthquake faults are identified within the County’s boundaries.

Northern Segment of the San Andreas Fault

The Northern Segment of the San Andreas Fault lies off the west coast of the County, and crosses land at Bodega Bay. Moreover,  it goes out to sea and crosses the County again from Fort Ross, past the community of Sea Ranch, exiting the County at its northern border.

Northern Hayward/Rodgers Creek Fault

The Northern Hayward/Rodgers Creek Fault enters Sonoma County at San Pablo Bay and extends northward through the City of Santa Rosa.

 Maacama Fault

Third, The Maacama Fault lies to the east of the Healdsburg Fault and continues northward, passing east of the City of Cloverdale.

Hayward/Rogers Creek Fault

Finally, the Hayward/Rogers Creek fault system has the highest likelihood of an M 6.7 or greater earthquake occurring before 2036.  The largest earthquake within 30 miles of Sea Ranch, CA was a 4.4 Magnitude in 2014. This website provides a listing of recent earthquakes in the region.

Resources

Visit Ready.gov for Earthquake safety and preparation tips

For more detail concerning the 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.

Tsunami – YOU HAVE 2 MINUTES TO GET 100 FEET UP!

Importantly, your attitude and altitude will save you, your family, and your pets. Please take this emergency information to heart.
 
Occasionally an earthquake may trigger a tsunami. While Abalone Bay is located high above the ocean on the bluff it would be prudent to be aware of potential hazards from a large tsunami wave.

Resources

Click here for a  RUN-UP CHART and EVACUATION ROUTES

NOAA’s West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center website , offers complete information, including the current status of tsunami watches, warnings and advisories. A list of frequently asked tsunami questions and answers can be found at here.

 

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