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Tsunami Preparedness
What to do Before, During, and After a Tsunami in Santa Cruz County
A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions or asteroids. A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as waves come in and go out. Tsunamis can:
- Travel 20-30 miles per hour with waves 10-100 feet high.
- Cause flooding and disrupt transportation, power, communications and the water supply.
- Happen anywhere along U.S. coasts. Coasts that border the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean have the greatest risk.
Do you know the signs of a tsunami, or what to do before, during or after a tsunami strikes? Select the tabs below to learn more about preparing for these events, and protecting yourself and your family when disaster strikes.
You can also learn more about Tsunamis at:
NOAA/National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Centers
BEFORE A TSUNAMI OCCURS:
- Learn the signs of a potential tsunami, such as an earthquake, a loud roar from the ocean, or unusual ocean behavior, such as a sudden rise or wall of water or sudden draining of water showing the ocean floor.
- Know and practice community evacuation plans. Santa Cruz County is currently in the process of installing signs and maps in high-risk areas, with evacuation zones and routes. Map out your routes from home, work and play. Pick shelters 100 feet or more above sea level, or at least one mile inland.
- Create a family emergency communication plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. CruzAware can be downloaded on your phone for hazard alerts including tsunamis, earthquakes, wildfires and floods). The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Consider earthquake insurance and a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage!
DURING A TSUNAMI:
- If caused by an earthquake, Drop, Cover, then Hold On to protect yourself from the earthquake first. Crawl only if you can reach better cover, but do not go through areas with more debris.
- When the shaking stops, get to high ground as far inland as possible. Listen to the authorities, but do not wait for tsunami warnings and evacuation orders to move.
- Be alert to signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters.
- Keep listening to emergency information and alerts. Always follow the instructions from local emergency managers.
- Evacuate: DO NOT wait! Leave as soon as you see any natural signs of a tsunami or receive an official tsunami warning.
- If you are in a boat, face in the direction of the waves, and go out to sea. If you’re in a harbor, go inland.
- If you are in the water, grab onto something that floats, such as a raft, tree trunk or door.
AFTER A TSUNAMI:
- Listen to local alerts and authorities for information on areas to avoid and shelter locations.
- Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris. Water may be deeper than it appears.
- Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Underground or downed power lines can electrically charge water. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
- Stay away from damaged buildings, roads and bridges.
- If you become injured or sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider and shelter in place, if possible. Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
- Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.
- Listen to local alerts and authorities for information on areas to avoid and shelter locations.
- Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris. Water may be deeper than it appears.
- Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Underground or downed power lines can electrically charge water. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
- Stay away from damaged buildings, roads and bridges.
- If you become injured or sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider and shelter in place, if possible. Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
- Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.