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About Tsunami

Tsunamis are large ocean waves generated by major earthquakes beneath the ocean floor or major landslides into the ocean. Rising to several feet or higher, they can strike the coast with devastating force. People on beaches or in low coastal areas, such as estuaries and rivers, need to be aware that a tsunami could arrive within minutes of a severe earthquake and the danger period can continue for many hours. Tsunamis can occur any time of year, day or night.

What Should You Do Before a Tsunami?

Prepare in Advance

How to Prepare for a Tsunami

During a Tsunami

If You Feel a Strong Coastal Earthquake
  • Drop, cover, and hold on to protect yourself from the earthquake.
  • When the shaking stops, gather members of your household and review your evacuation plan. A tsunami may be coming within minutes.
  • Use a NOAA Weather Radio or stay tuned to a Coast Guard emergency frequency station, or a local radio or television station for updated emergency information.
  • Follow instructions issued by local authorities. Recommended evacuation routes may be different from the one you planned, or you may be advised to climb higher.
  • If you hear an official tsunami warning or detect signs of a tsunami, evacuate at once. A tsunami warning is issued when authorities are certain that a tsunami threat exists, and there may be little time to get out.
  • Take your emergency preparedness kit. Having supplies will make you more comfortable during the evacuation.
  • If you evacuate, take your animals with you. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for them.
  • Get to higher ground as far inland as possible. Watching a tsunami from the beach or cliffs could put you in grave danger. If you can see the wave, you are too close to escape it.
  • Avoid downed power lines and stay away from buildings and bridges from which heavy objects might fall during an aftershock.
  • Stay away until 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 one.
  • If you evacuate, take your animals with you. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for them.
  • Get to higher ground as far inland as possible. Watching a tsunami from the beach or cliffs could put you in grave danger. If you can see the wave, you are too close to escape it.
  • Avoid downed power lines and stay away from buildings and bridges from which heavy objects might fall during an aftershock.
  • Stay away until 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 one.

After a Tsunami

Staying Safe After a Tsunami
If you do nothing else:
  • Let friends and family know you’re safe. The American Red Cross can help you reconnect with family members.
  • If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
  • Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
  • If people around you are injured, practice CHECK, CALL, CARE. Check the scene to be sure it’s safe for you to approach, call for help, and if you are trained, provide first aid to those in need until emergency responders can arrive.

After a Tsunami

FACT vs FICTION

Fiction

Tsunamis are giant walls of water.

Fact

Occasionally, tsunamis can form walls of water (known as tsunami bores) but tsunamis normally have the appearance of a fast-rising and fast-receding flood. They can be similar to a tide cycle occurring in just 10 to 60 minutes instead of 12 hours.

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