The city of Carpinteria is inviting the community to learn more about local emergency preparedness and help identify priorities for the next five years at an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Community Workshop, 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3.

At the workshop, in the Carpinteria Community Library Community Meeting Room, city staff will introduce the updated EOP and explain how it helps organize and coordinate the city’s response before, during and after an emergency.

The city will provide information about local emergency preparedness resources and practical steps residents can take to prepare themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods, organizers said.



A key part of the workshop will be hearing from the community about what emergency preparedness should look like in Carpinteria over the next five years.

Residents will be invited to share their experiences, concerns and ideas about projects, programs and other actions they believe should be considered as the city develops its 5-Year Preparedness Workplan.

“Emergencies can happen when we least expect them, whether it’s an earthquake, wildfire, severe storm, power outage, or another unexpected event,” said Juliza Briones, city emergency manager.

“Preparing for these events starts long before an emergency occurs. We want to hear from our community about what preparedness priorities matter most to them and what they believe will help Carpinteria be better prepared for the future,” she said.


Feedback gathered through this process will help city staff identify and evaluate potential priorities for the workplan, which is anticipated to be presented to the City Council for consideration in 2027.

“Community input is an important part of this process, however ideas will be considered alongside factors such as community needs, feasibility, available resources, and other city priorities,” city officials said.



The city’s current EOP was adopted in 2014. Since then, emergency management practices, technology, community needs, and local hazards have continued to evolve, officials said.

The updated EOP reflects current best practices while recognizing the unique characteristics of Carpinteria, including its coastline, neighborhoods, transportation corridors, infrastructure, and local hazards, the city said.



Those unable to attend the workshop can share their ideas for the 5-Year Preparedness Workplan by emailing Briones at julizab@carpinteriaca.gov.



For project updates and information about future opportunities to participate, visit cityofcarp.co/eopupdate.