TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN

PROJECT PURPOSE

Due to the devastation caused by recent disasters such as the Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flow event, Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), applied for and received an Adaptation Planning grant from Caltrans to develop a Transportation Emergency Preparedness Plan (TEPP) for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Fireman silhouette in front of fire

KEY CHALLENGES

  • Increasing risks of wildland fire, mudslides and other disasters.
  • One main thoroughfare, US Highway 101, linking Ventura County and Santa Barbara County.
  • Transportation systems are severely impacted during major disasters.
  • No transportation plan in place to coordinate evacuations.
  • Limited integration of transportation procedures into County and City emergency plans.
Key Challeges 1

PROJECT MISSION AND GOALS

  • Mission

    To provide a proactive strategy and roadmap for transportation response and recovery during emergencies for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties going forward.

    Goals

    • Develop an all-hazards transportation emergency preparedness plan
    • Respond to the needs of the communities sooner and more effectively
    • Create a blueprint for evacuation
    • Improve transit agency management during disasters
    • Develop a plan for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations
Mission Goals 2 1
Mission Goals 1 1