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BE PREPARED FOR A TSUNAMI

A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as

FEMA V-1011/May 2018 come in and go out.

20-30 A tsunami is a series of mph enormous waves caused by , Travels 20–30 miles Causes flooding and creates Can happen anywhere along underwater , per hour with waves problems with transportation, U.S. coasts; coasts that border volcanic eruptions, 10–100 feet high power, communications, and the or Caribbean or asteroids. drinking water have the greatest risk

IF YOU ARE UNDER A TSUNAMI WARNING

DROP COVER HOLD ON

If caused by an , Drop, Cover, and Hold On to protect yourself from the earthquake first.

Get to high ground as far Listen to emergency inland as possible. information and alerts.

Evacuate: DO NOT wait! Leave Be alert to signs of a tsunami, when you see any natural signs such as a sudden rise or of a tsunami OR hear an official draining of ocean waters. tsunami warning.

If you are in a boat, go out to . HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TSUNAMI THREATENS

Prepare Survive Be Safe NOW DURING AFTER

If you live near or visit a coastal If you are in a tsunami area and Listen to local alerts and authorities area, learn about the tsunami risk. there is an earthquake, first protect for information on areas to avoid and Some at-risk communities have yourself from the earthquake. Drop, shelter locations. maps with evacuation zones and Cover, and Hold On. Drop to your Avoid wading in floodwater, which hands and knees. Cover your head routes. If you are a visitor, ask about can contain dangerous . Water emergency plans. and neck with your arms. Hold on to community may be deeper than it appears. any sturdy furniture until the shaking Learn the signs of a potential stops. Crawl only if you can reach Be aware of the risk of electrocution. tsunami, such as an earthquake, a better cover, but do not go through Underground or downed power lines loud roar from the ocean, or unusual an area with more debris. can electrically charge water. Do not ocean behavior, such as a sudden rise touch electrical equipment if it is wet or wall of water or sudden draining When the shaking stops, if there is or if you are standing in water. showing the ocean floor. a warning, either natural signs or an official warning, move immediately to Stay away from damaged buildings, Know and practice community a safe place as high and as far inland roads, and bridges. evacuation plans and map out your as possible. Listen to the authorities, routes from home, work, and play. Document property damage with but do not wait for tsunami warnings Pick shelters 100 feet or more above photographs. Conduct an inventory and evacuation orders. or at least one mile inland. and contact your insurance company If you are outside of the tsunami for assistance. Create a family emergency zone and receive a warning, communication plan that has an Save phone calls for emergencies. stay where you are unless officials tell out-of-state contact. Plan where to Phone systems are often down or busy you otherwise. meet if you get separated. after a . Use text messages Leave immediately if you are told to or social media to communicate with Sign up for your community’s do so. Evacuation routes are often family and friends. warning system. The Emergency Alert marked by a with an arrow in System (EAS) and National Oceanic the direction of higher ground. and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide If you are in the water, grab onto emergency alerts. something that floats, such as a raft, tree trunk, or door. Consider and Take an Active Role a insurance policy through the If you are in a boat, face the direction in Your Safety National Flood Insurance Program of the waves and head out to sea. If (NFIP). Standard homeowner’s you are in a harbor, go inland. Go to Ready.gov and search insurance does not cover flood or for tsunami. Download the earthquake damage. FEMA app to get more information about preparing for a tsunami.

FEMA V-1011 Catalog No. 17233-12