Full Notification

March 22nd through March 28th is National Tsunami Preparedness Week

Of all Earth’s natural hazards, tsunamis are among the most irregular and infrequent. Yet, they pose a major threat to coastal populations. Although tsunamis cannot be prevented, community preparedness, accurate and timely warnings and effective response can save lives and protect property.

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves created by a sudden displacement of seawater. Most tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes, but they can also be caused by landslides, volcanic activity, and even certain weather-related phenomena. A tsunami could strike the U.S. coastline at any time and can be very dangerous to life and property when it reaches the shore. It may arrive like a fast-rising flood and can strike with devastating force. Tsunami waves may continue for several hours, and the first one may not be the largest.

The City of Seal Beach is a "TsunamiReady Community"

What is a TsunamiReady Community? A TsunamiReady community is a certification granted by the National Weather Service to communities that are vulnerable to tsunamis, and have taken steps to prepare for a tsunami. Some of those steps include: engaging in community outreach and education; having a public notification system (the City of Seal Beach uses the AlertOC telephonic notification system); participating in training exercises, and having an evacuation plan. The next time you are driving around Seal Beach look for the signs indicating the tsunami evacuation route.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates two tsunami warning centers, which are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The two centers are responsible for monitoring Earth for earthquakes and tsunamis, forecasting tsunami impacts and, in the United States, issuing tsunami alerts (information statements, watches, advisories and warnings) to emergency managers and the public.

For more information on tsunami's and tsunami preparedness go the California Office of Emergency Services website at: www.oes.ca.gov

For more information about the County of Orange AlertOC public notification system go to: http://bos.ocgov.com/alertoc/alertoc.asp