County is getting warning system, but tsunami warning system still has “bugs”

San Mateo County has approved a disaster alert system that will call all residents with instructions in the event of a tidal wave, earthquake or other disaster, reports Kelly Pakula in the County Times.

The county also will purchase six sirens, which will sound a warning in case of an impending disaster. [Sheriff’s Lt. John] Quinlan said two sirens will be in Pacifica, two in Half Moon Bay and the remaining sirens will be located near Surfer’s Beach in El Granada.

"Katrina wouldn’t have been Katrina if they had (sirens)," Quinlan said.

He said the initial purpose of the sirens was to warn residents of a terrorist attack, but said they easily could be used to warn the Coastside about a tsunami, surge wave or wildfire.

The new emergency alert system will cost no more than $350,000. Quinlan said the telephone notification system is expected to be in place later this month. Gordon said the specific locations of the sirens are subject to a coastal development permit.

It’s unclear from the report whether the calls will require the use of the fiber optic cable that went out earlier this year, cutting off all communication between the Coastside and the outside world.

In Del Norte County, Crescent City residents are asking why they weren’t warned about this week’s tsunami. The worst to hit California in 40 years, it washed away docks, damaged boats and spread debris, according to the Chronicle:

"They say there was a warning call, but there was no siren or general alarm," said [fisherman Earl]Hensel, who is in his 80s. "It’s a pretty somber group here looking at the damage."

The Chron has a good analysis of what went wrong in the warning system.