How to Prepare for a Tsunami
Tsunami Preparedness
You never know when a tsunami might strike. Being prepared can lower your family’s risk of injury, death, or separation in the event of a big wave. Get to the high ground!
Tsunami Facts
Tsunamis are big waves caused by tectonic movement rather than tides. They can last for days, and are usually characterized by a series of waves, aka a Tsunami Wave Train.
88% of all tracked tsunamis are the result of offshore earthquakes.
To create a tsunami, an earthquake must usually have a magnitude higher than 7.0 and occur under or very near the ocean.
How to Prepare for a Tsunami
- Create a tsunami preparedness kit or purchase a prepackaged evacuation kit. Either way, make sure to maintain it.
- Reinforce your home so it can withstand the surge, and confirm that you have adequate insurance.
- Learn how to anticipate a tsunami: you’ll see water recede far and fast away from the coastline, feel an earthquake, or hear a roar from the ocean.
- Determine the safest evacuation routes and identify shelters that are at least 100 feet above sea level, and/or two miles inland.
- Plan a meeting point for relatives or loved ones if a tsunami warning occurs and you’re not together. Make a contact plan in case you can’t reach one another.
- Never risk entering floodwaters, whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle.
- Practice your evacuation plan as a drill, and make sure you can get to your safe location within 15 minutes.
Beach Babies
- Coasts are in the most danger! If you’re less than one mile from the beach or less than 25 feet above sea level, you are in the most dangerous spot.
- Surge can affect areas 10 miles inland, so stay alert.
Check Your Risk By Region
- Most tsunamis occur around the Ring of Fire, a geologically active region circling the Pacific Ocean, including:
- Western Canada
- Alaska
- Washington
- Oregon
- California
- Western Mexico
Don’t Waste Any Time
You only have 10 to 15 minutes after receiving an alert to get to high ground. Head for your evacuation location immediately.
Don’t Leave the High Ground
Once you’re safely inland or on high ground, stay there for 24 hours or more. More waves and surge follow the first wave.
Don’t Forget your Go Bag
A quick evacuation is the best course of action! Make sure your Go Bag has all of the essentials to last you 72 hours.