Full Notification

March 23-30 Is Tsunami Preparedness Week! Be Aware!

At 10:15a, the NOAA will conduct a statewide tsunami test. While no warning sirens will sound, its a good reminder to be prepared.
 

What is a Tsunami?

According to NOAA, a Tsunami is a set of ocean waves caused by any large, abrupt disturbance of the sea-surface. While tsunamis are primarily caused by earthquakes, they can also be caused by underwater landslides or volcanic eruptions. While the hazard of a Tsunami to the City of Torrance is limited, its important to know and understand the warning signs and signals to help keep your family safe. 

What are the warning signs of a tsunami?

• A strong earthquake, felt in a coastal area, that causes difficulty standing
• A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters
• A loud roaring sound coming from the ocean

How can I prepare for a tsunami ahead of time?

Find out if your home, school, workplace, or other frequently visited places are in a tsunami hazard area or evacuation zone. If they are:

• Know their height above sea level and their distance from the coast and other high-risk waters. Evacuations may be based on these numbers.
• Plan evacuation routes to safe locations from these places. If possible, pick locations 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level or as far as 2 miles (3 kilometers) inland, away from the coast. If you cannot get this high or far, go as high or far as you can. You should plan to be able to reach a safe location on foot within 15 minutes. An alternative in some areas is "vertical evacuation," which means going to a high floor of a tall building.
• Find out what your school's evacuation plan is. Schools will keep children safe by moving them out of harm's way. Find out where the assembly area is and where you should pick up your children. Do not rush to the school during an evacuation.
• Put together a family emergency plan and a portable disaster supplies kit that is easily accessible and contains basic items you and your family may need in an emergency.
• Practice walking evacuation routes. Familiarity may save your life. Be able to follow your escape route at night and during inclement weather. Practicing your plan will make it easier to understand and to do during an actual emergency.
• If you are a coastal visitor, find out about local tsunami safety procedures. For long-lead time warnings, you may be asked to leave by driving away. For short lead-time warnings, you may be able to take refuge in reinforced concrete hotel structures on the third floor or above.

What should I do when a tsunami may happen?

If you are in a coastal area and feel a strong earthquake:

• Drop, cover, and hold on. You should first protect yourself from the earthquake.
• When the shaking stops, move quickly to higher ground away from the coast. A tsunami may be coming within minutes.
• Be prepared for aftershocks, which happen frequently after earthquakes. Each time the earth shakes, drop, cover, and hold on.
• Move to your designated safe location or as far inland and uphill as possible.

During a tsunami watch:

• Use a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards or listen to local radio or TV for updated information.
• Locate loved-ones and review evacuation plans. Be ready to move quickly if a tsunami warning is issued.

During a tsunami advisory:

• Because of the threat of a potential tsunami that may produce strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or near the water, local officials may close beaches, evacuate harbors and marinas, and ask ships to reposition to deep water. Obey their directions.

During a tsunami warning:

• If you hear a tsunami warning siren, detect signs of a tsunami, or hear about a tsunami warning on the radio or TV, leave immediately.
• Ask neighbors who may need help leaving to come with you and offer assistance.
• Bring pets with you to keep them safe.
• Take your disaster supplies kit. Having supplies will make you more comfortable.
• Move to higher ground as far inland as possible. Watching a tsunami near the shore is dangerous, and it is against the law to remain in an evacuated area.
• Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards or local radio or TV for the latest updates.

What should I do after a tsunami?

• Return home only after 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.
• Stay away from damaged areas so emergency responders can have full access.
• Stay out of any building that has water around it.
• Be careful reentering buildings or homes. Tsunami-driven floodwater may have damaged buildings.

Forwarded by:

Office of Emergency Services

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For more information, please visit:

http://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/geologic_hazards/Tsunami/Inundation_Maps/LosAngeles/Documents/Tsunami_Inundation_TorranceSanPedro_Quads_LosAngeles.pdf

http://www.tsunami.noaa.gov/basics.html

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