Tsunami Safety: Warning Signs and Where to Go

Tsunamis

A tsunami is a series of waves caused by an earthquake, a landslide into the sea or a volcanic eruption. It can arrive minutes after the event. On many coasts, nature gives the only warning you will get. If you live on or travel to a coast, learn one rule: do not wait for an official alert.

1. Before

Find out whether your home, workplace or holiday destination is in a tsunami hazard zone.
Learn the evacuation routes and where the high ground is. Walk the route once.
Know how warnings are given locally: sirens, mobile alerts, signs.
Keep a go-bag ready and agree a family meeting point on high ground. See Make a Plan.

Natural warning signs

A strong earthquake, or one that lasts a long time, while you are near the coast.
The sea suddenly pulls back and exposes the seafloor, or rises like a wall of water.
A loud roar from the ocean.

2. During

If you feel a strong earthquake at the coast, first protect yourself: drop, cover and hold on. See Earthquakes.
When the shaking stops, or if you see any natural sign, go at once to high ground, as far inland as you can. Do not wait for an official warning. Aim for 30 metres (100 feet) above sea level or at least 1.5 km (one mile) inland.
Follow marked evacuation routes. Go on foot if roads are jammed.
If you cannot get away, go to an upper floor of a solid concrete building.
Never go to the shore to watch.
If you are in a boat out at sea, face the waves and head further out. If you are in a harbour, leave the boat and go inland.

3. After

Stay on high ground until authorities give the all-clear. A tsunami is several waves over hours, and the first is often not the largest.
Do not wade in floodwater. Stay away from damaged buildings, roads, bridges and fallen power lines.
Do not drink tap water until it is declared safe. See Water outages.
Text your contact that you are safe. Keep calls for emergencies.
Photograph damage for insurance.