Global Warning Networks
🌊

Tsunami Safety Guide

Critical information for tsunami preparedness, recognition of warning signs, and evacuation procedures that could save your life.

Warning Signs Evacuation Guide

🚨 TSUNAMI WARNING SIGNS

⚠️ NATURAL WARNING SIGNS

  • •
    Strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or longer
  • •
    Ocean rapidly recedes - exposing sea floor, reefs, fish
  • •
    Loud ocean roar - sounds like freight train or jet engine
  • •
    Wall of water visible on horizon
  • •
    Rapid rise or fall of coastal waters
  • •
    Animals fleeing to higher ground

📢 OFFICIAL WARNINGS

  • •
    Emergency Alert System - TV, radio broadcasts
  • •
    Wireless Emergency Alerts - Cell phone notifications
  • •
    Outdoor sirens - Coastal warning systems
  • •
    NOAA Weather Radio - Continuous updates
  • •
    Local emergency management - Official announcements
  • •
    Social media alerts - Official agency accounts

⏰ CRITICAL TIMING

Local tsunamis: You may have only 5-20 minutes to reach safety
Distant tsunamis: You may have 3-22 hours after official warning

🏃‍♂️ EVACUATION PROCEDURES

Immediate Actions (First 5 Minutes)

  1. 1
    DROP everything - Don't gather belongings
  2. 2
    MOVE inland and uphill immediately
  3. 3
    Get to high ground - At least 100 feet above sea level
  4. 4
    Move 2+ miles inland if no high ground available
  5. 5
    Help others if safely possible
  6. 6
    Stay calm and move quickly but carefully

Transportation & Routes

  • •
    WALK if possible - Avoid traffic jams
  • •
    Use designated evacuation routes - Pre-planned paths
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    Avoid bridges and overpasses - May be damaged
  • •
    Don't drive through water - Current may be stronger than expected
  • •
    Abandon car if necessary - Continue on foot
  • •
    Follow official evacuation routes - Not shortcuts

🎒 TSUNAMI PREPARATION

🗺️ Know Your Risk

  • 🏖️ Live near coast: Learn your tsunami zone
  • 📍 Know elevation: Are you above 100 feet?
  • 🛣️ Evacuation routes: Multiple paths to safety
  • 🏢 Safe buildings: Identify tall, sturdy structures
  • ⏱️ Travel time: How long to reach safety?
  • 🌊 Tsunami zones: Red = highest risk
  • 🏠 Home assessment: In evacuation zone?
  • 🏫 School/work plans: Know their procedures
  • 📱 Warning systems: Sign up for alerts
  • 👥 Family plans: Meeting points and contacts

🎒 Go-Bag Essentials

  • 💧 Water: 1 gallon per person per day
  • 🥫 Food: 3-day supply, non-perishable
  • 💊 Medications: Prescription and first aid
  • 🔦 Flashlight: Extra batteries
  • 📻 Radio: Battery or hand-crank
  • 🆔 Documents: Waterproof copies
  • 💰 Cash: Small bills
  • 🧥 Clothing: Warm, waterproof
  • 🔋 Phone charger: Solar or battery pack
  • 🧻 Sanitation: Personal hygiene items

📞 Communication Plan

  • 📱 Emergency contacts: Local and out-of-state
  • 🏫 School contacts: Pickup procedures
  • 🏢 Workplace plans: Emergency procedures
  • 📍 Meeting points: Primary and backup
  • 🆔 ICE contacts: In Case of Emergency
  • 📨 Text messaging: Often works when calls don't
  • 📧 Email accounts: Multiple providers
  • 🌐 Social media: Update status for family
  • 📻 Emergency frequencies: NOAA Weather Radio
  • 🏠 Neighbor network: Check on each other

🔍 AFTER A TSUNAMI

Safety Precautions

  • •
    Stay away from damaged areas - Wait for official all-clear
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    Watch for additional waves - Tsunamis come in multiple waves
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    Avoid floodwater - May contain debris, chemicals, sewage
  • •
    Be aware of structural damage - Buildings may be unstable
  • •
    Check for injuries - Provide first aid as needed
  • •
    Listen to authorities - Follow official instructions

Return Guidelines

  • •
    Wait for official all-clear - Don't return too early
  • •
    Document damage - Take photos for insurance
  • •
    Check utilities - Gas, water, electricity hazards
  • •
    Contact insurance - Report damage promptly
  • •
    Help neighbors - Community recovery effort
  • •
    Avoid sightseeing - Don't hinder rescue efforts

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

In deep ocean, tsunamis travel 400-500 mph (as fast as a jet plane). As they approach shore, they slow to 20-30 mph but increase dramatically in height. Even at slower speeds near shore, you cannot outrun a tsunami.
NO. Tsunamis are not like normal waves. They are walls of water filled with debris like cars, buildings, and trees. The water moves inland for miles, not just up and down. Attempting to surf a tsunami is certain death.
Tsunamis typically have 3-5 major waves, but can have more. The first wave is often NOT the largest. Waves can arrive 5 minutes to 2 hours apart. Stay away from the coast for at least 8-10 hours after the first wave, or until officials give the all-clear.
In deep ocean, tsunamis are only 1-3 feet tall. Near shore, they can reach 30-100+ feet. The 2011 Japan tsunami reached 130 feet in some areas. Height depends on seafloor shape, coastline geometry, and distance from the source.
Usually no. Tsunamis typically require magnitude 7.0+ earthquakes that displace large amounts of water. However, underwater landslides triggered by smaller earthquakes can also cause tsunamis. When in doubt, evacuate if you feel strong shaking near the coast.

🚨 Emergency Resources

🆘

Emergency Services

911

Fire, Police, Medical

🌊

Tsunami Warning Center

tsunami.gov

NOAA Official Warnings

📻

NOAA Weather Radio

162.400-162.550 MHz

Continuous Updates

📱 Official Apps & Resources

• FEMA App (disaster preparedness)

• Red Cross Emergency App

• NOAA Weather Radar App

• Local emergency management apps

• TsunamiZone.org (evacuation maps)