Tsunami Facts

What to do Before and During a Tsunami

The following tsunami facts and guidelines will help you know what to do before and during a tsunami if one is likely to happen in your area:

• Turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area.
  
  
• Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.
  
  
• Stay away from the beach. Never go down to the beach to watch a tsunami waves come in. If you can see the wave you are too close to escape it.
  
  
• CAUTION - If you see a noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline, this is nature's tsunami warning. You should move away immediately!

What to Do After a Tsunami

The following are guidelines for the period following tsunamis:

• Stay away from flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to return.
  
  
• Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety hazard to boats and people.
  
  
• Save yourself - not your possessions

Know Your Tsunami Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tsunami hazard:

Advisory
An earthquake has occurred in the Pacific basin, which might generate a tsunami.

Warning
A tsunami was, or may have been generated, causing tsunami damages, people in the warned area are strongly advised to evacuate.

Watch
A tsunami was or may have been generated, but is at least two hours travel time to the area in Watch status.







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