Tsunami! What to Do!
Locally generated tsunamis
- If you are near a beach and feel a strong earthquake or notice the sea receding unusually, move to higher ground immediately. You may have only a few minutes.
- Take yourself and others to higher ground - at least 35m above sea level is best.
- If you cannot go higher, go inland - at least 1.5km.
- Do not return for at least one hour or until advised by authorities.
- Do not wait for a tsunami warning before moving to higher ground.
- Avoid rivers and inlets because they magnify tsunami waves.
Long distance tsunamis
- Authorities will give warnings about tsunamis if they are coming from far away. These warnings come from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii.
- Tsunami warnings will be passed to you on your local radio, via a siren, or loud hailer.
- Turn your radio on and follow instructions.
- Take essential items with you if you are told to evacuate.
- Do not go to the beach to watch the waves come in.
- If you are on a boat, stay on the water. Do not return to port. Tsunamis can cause rapid changes in water levels and unpredictable currents in ports and harbours.