Tsunami Awareness and Safety

What is a tsunami and where do they happen?

A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves usually caused by a major
earthquake on the sea floor, a landslide, or volcanic activity. Tsunamis
are not affected by tides or currents; a tsunami in the ocean means
the whole water column is moving, not just the surface. A tsunami can
strike any ocean shoreline.
When tsunami waves enter shallow water, they rise to form massive moving
water called runup. The runup, which can be many feet high, then rushes
onto shore, striking the coast with tremendous, destructive force.
If you are on the shore and in a low coastal area, you should know that a
tsunami could arrive within minutes after the earth shakes. A devastating
tsunami can also happen when a major earthquake happens far away.
Recent earthquakes in Chile and Japan have caused tsunami strikes in Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and
California, causing loss of life and millions of dollars in property damage.
The tsunami danger period can continue for many hours as the waters move onto land, recede, and return. Sometimes, the
second or third waves are more devastating than the first. A tsunami can occur during any season of the year and at any
time, day or night.

What is the best source of information in a tsunami situation?

Listen to local news reports and visit the NOAA/National Weather Service website, tsunami.gov.
The International Tsunami Warning System monitors oceans through a network of buoys and scientific instruments. When the
instruments detect a major earthquake and the potential for a tsunami to occur, warnings are issued to local authorities who can
order the evacuation of low-lying areas, if necessary.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) National
Weather Service operates two tsunami warning centers:
The National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) in Palmer, Alaska, serves all
U.S. states except Hawaii. It also serves Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and
Canada.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, serves
Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific territories. It also serves as an international warning
center for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean and South China Seas.

This information provided by the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, a partnership of the NOAA/National Weather Service,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and 28 U.S. states and territories.

What are the warning signs of a tsunami?

What should I do when a tsunami may happen?

A strong earthquake, felt in a coastal area, that causes

difficulty standing

If you are in a coastal area and feel a strong earthquake:

Drop, cover, and hold on. You should first protect
yourself from the earthquake.

A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters

A loud roaring sound coming from the ocean

How can I prepare for a tsunami ahead of time?

Find out if your home, school, workplace, or other
frequently visited places are in a tsunami hazard
area or evacuation zone. If they are:
Know their height above sea level and their
distance from the coast and other high-risk waters.
Evacuations may be based on these numbers.
Plan evacuation routes to safe locations from
these places. If possible, pick locations 100 feet
(30 meters) above sea level or as far as 2 miles (3
kilometers) inland, away from the coast. If you cannot
get this high or far, go as high or far as you can.
Every foot inland or upward may make a difference.
You should plan to be able to reach a safe location
on foot within 15 minutes. An alternative in some
areas is vertical evacuation, which means going to
a high floor of a tall building.
Find out what your schools evacuation plan is.
Schools will keep children safe by moving them out
of harms way. Find out where the assembly area is
and where you should pick up your children. Do not
rush to the school during an evacuation.
Put together a family emergency plan and a portable
disaster supplies kit that is easily accessible and
contains basic items you and your family may need
in an emergency.
Practice walking evacuation routes. Familiarity may
save your life. Be able to follow your escape route
at night and during inclement weather. Practicing
your plan will make it easier to understand and to do
during an actual emergency.
If you are a coastal visitor, find out about local
tsunami safety procedures. For long lead-time
warnings, you may be asked to leave by driving
away. For short lead-time warnings, you may be
able to take refuge in reinforced concrete hotel
structures on the third floor or above.

When the shaking stops, move quickly to higher ground

away from the coast. A tsunami may be coming within
minutes.
Be prepared for aftershocks, which happen frequently
after earthquakes. Each time the earth shakes, drop,
cover, and hold on.
Move to your designated safe location or as far inland
and uphill as possible.
During a tsunami watch:
Use a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards or listen to
local radio or TV for updated information.
Locate loved-ones and review evacuation plans. Be
ready to move quickly if a tsunami warning is issued.
During a tsunami advisory:
Because of the threat of a potential tsunami that may
produce strong currents or waves dangerous to those
in or near the water, local officials may close beaches,
evacuate harbors and marinas, and ask ships to
reposition to deep water. Obey their directions.
During a tsunami warning:
If you hear a tsunami warning siren, detect signs of a
tsunami, or hear about a tsunami warning on the radio
or TV, leave immediately.
Ask neighbors who may need help leaving to come with
you and offer assistance.
Bring pets with you to keep them safe.
Take your disaster supplies kit. Having supplies will
make you more comfortable.
Move to higher ground as far inland as possible.
Watching a tsunami near the shore is dangerous, and it
is against the law to remain in an evacuated area.
Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards or
local radio or TV for the latest updates.

What should I do after a tsunami?

Return home only after local officials tell you it is safe. A
tsunami is a series of waves that may continue for hours.
Do not assume that after one wave the danger is over.
The next wave may be larger than the first.
Stay away from damaged areas so emergency
responders can have full access.

This information provided by the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation

Program, a partnership of the NOAA/National Weather Service,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological
Survey, and 28 U.S. states and territories.

Stay out of any building that has water around it.

Be careful reentering buildings or homes. Tsunami-driven
floodwater may have damaged buildings.