BE PREPARED FOR A
TSUNAMI
A tsunami can kill or injure
people and damage or
destroy buildings and
infrastructure as waves
FEMA V-1011/May 2018
come in and go out.
20-30
A tsunami is a series of mph
enormous ocean waves
caused by
earthquakes, Travels 20–30 miles Causes flooding and creates Can happen anywhere along
underwater landslides, per hour with waves problems with transportation, U.S. coasts; coasts that border
volcanic eruptions, 10–100 feet high power, communications, and the Pacific Ocean 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 earthquake, 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 sea.
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
routes. If you are a visitor, ask about hands and knees. Cover your head
can contain dangerous debris. Water
community emergency plans. and neck with your arms. Hold on to
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 Underground or downed power lines
better cover, but do not go through
loud roar from the ocean, or unusual can electrically charge water. Do not
an area with more debris.
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, Document property damage with
routes from home, work, and play.
but do not wait for tsunami warnings photographs. Conduct an inventory
Pick shelters 100 feet or more above
and evacuation orders. and contact your insurance company
sea level or at least one mile inland.
If you are outside of the tsunami for assistance.
Create a family emergency
hazard zone and receive a warning, Save phone calls for emergencies.
communication plan that has an
stay where you are unless officials tell Phone systems are often down or busy
out-of-state contact. Plan where to
you otherwise. after a disaster. Use text messages
meet if you get separated.
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 wave 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,
Consider earthquake insurance and
tree trunk, or door. Take an Active Role
a flood 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
