City of Santa Monica

Tsunami Response Plan

Office of Emergency Management

 City of Santa Monica
Tsunami Response Plan

Table of Contents
What is a Tsunami? 3
Emergency Status/Operational Phases 4
Warning Phase 4
Advisory Phase 4
Watch Phase 5
Damage Assessment Phase 6
Recovery 6
After Action Reporting and Documentation 7
Emergency Public Information Phase 7
Planning Assumptions 8

City of Santa Monica Responsibilities 9

Tsunami Response Plan Execution 10

Initial EOC Action Plan 11
Existing Mitigation Activities 13

Evacuation Routes 14
Safe Refuge Sites 14
City Facilities located in the inundation zone 14
Tsunami Signage & Maps 15

Public Education & Outreach 19

Background Information 24
General Situation 24
Frequently Asked Questions 26

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 City of Santa Monica
Tsunami Response Plan

City of Santa Monica

Tsunami Emergency Response Plan

What is a Tsunami?
A tsunami is a system of gravity waves formed in the sea as a result of a large-scale
disturbance of sea level over a short duration of time. A tsunami can be generated by
submarine volcanic eruptions, by displacement of submarine sediments, by coastal
landslides into a bay or harbor, by meteor impact, or by vertical displacement of the earth’s
crust along a subduction zone/fault. The latter is by far the most frequent cause of tsunami
and for all practical purposes the primary cause of tsunami capable of propagation across
an ocean basin. The rupture of the earth’s crust will also generate a major earthquake that
will be detected and measured by seismic instrumentation throughout the world. However,
not all major coastal or near-coastal earthquakes produce tsunami. At present, there is no
operational method to determine if a tsunami has been generated except to note the
occurrence and epicenter of the earthquake and then detect the arrival of the characteristic
waves at a network of tide stations.

Types of Tsunamis:
Near Source Tsunami
A near source, or a locally generated tsunami, such as the occurrences in Japan in 2011
and Sumatra in 2005 are possible at many points along the California Coast. These occur if
a large earthquake displaces the sea floor near the coast; the first waves may reach the
coast within minutes after the ground shaking stops. There is no time for authorities to issue
a warning. People on the beach or in low coastal areas need to be aware of the tsunami
risk and be prepared to move to higher ground as soon as they are able after a strong
earthquake and stay there until told by an official source that the danger is passed.
Distance Source Tsunami
Distant source, or regional/pacific wide, tsunami may be generated by very large
earthquakes in other areas of the Pacific Ocean and may reach our coastline many hours
after the earthquake occurred. Tsunami Warning Centers are responsible for gathering
information on earthquakes which may generate tsunami and alerting state and local
officials who may order evacuation. The Japan earthquake in 2011 created a “Distant
Source Tsunami” warning for areas outside of the earthquake impact area, including the
West Coast of the United States.

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EMERGENCY STATUS:

Sequence of Operational Activities

Tsunami Warning: A Tsunami Warning is issued when a potential tsunami with significant
widespread inundation is imminent or expected. Warnings alert the public that widespread,
dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents is possible and may continue
for several hours after arrival of the initial wave. Warnings also alert emergency
management officials to take action for the entire tsunami hazard zone. Appropriate actions
to be taken by local officials may include the evacuation of low-lying coastal areas when
there is time to safely do so. A local tsunami requires immediate self-evacuation possibly
through areas damaged by earthquake and at risk of after-shocks. Distant events may allow
several hours to implement emergency procedures and evacuation. Evacuation routes must
take into account potential earthquake damage. In the event of a Tsunami Warning, Los
Angeles County will use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to warn the public about an
anticipated tsunami.

The City of Santa Monica will utilize all means of communications to inform the community
of an impending tsunami event.

Primary means of notification will include:

 Utilization of the City of Santa Monica’s Alert and Notification system, SM Alerts. SM
Alerts has pre-loaded the contact information for those located in the designated
tsunami inundation zone, and those who have opted-in to receive emergency
notifications, and is capable of disseminating thousands of notifications in a short
period of time.
 Deployment of all available City vehicles with public address systems, bullhorns, and
sirens to notify those located within the designated tsunami inundation zone. Door to
door notifications by public safety personnel may also be conducted.
 Coordinated public information notification Citywide, utilizing local and regional
media, City TV Channel 16, AM Radio KRS 1680, and Social Media.

Tsunami Advisory: A Tsunami Advisory is issued due to the threat of a potential tsunami,
which may produce strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or near the water.
Coastal regions historically prone to damage due to strong currents induced by tsunamis are
at the greatest risk. The threat may continue for several hours after the arrival of the initial
wave, but significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory.
Appropriate actions to be taken by local officials may include evacuations and closing of
beaches.

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Tsunami Watch: A Tsunami Watch is issued to alert City officials and the public of an event
that may later impact the Watch area. The Watch area may be upgraded to a Warning or
Advisory - or canceled - based on updated information and analysis. Therefore, emergency
management officials and the public should prepare to take action. Watches are normally
issued based on seismic information without confirmation that a destructive tsunami is
underway.

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Damage Assessment Phase: The Public Works Department will serve as the lead for
damage assessment and will be the representative for all utilities concerns. Additionally, the
Building and Safety Division of the Planning and Community Development Department will
work closely with the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments to quickly and accurately
evaluate impacted areas. Activities include reconnaissance of public infrastructure,
alternate route identification, building access, utility access rerouting, and temporary repairs.

Recovery:
Re-Entry
 A tsunami may cause damage to buildings and roads. During the transition into the
recovery phase, structure, roads, utilities, and other infrastructure must be inspected
to ensure that they are same for public reentry. This function may require using both
City personnel and private sector resources.
Demobilization
 When the response phase of the incident transitions into the recovery phase, the
demobilization stage can begin. Internal and external response partners can begin to
be released and agencies can return to their normal working roles as soon as
practical.
Restoration
 Restoration to impacted areas can be a long process following the potentially
damaging effects of a tsunami. Local resources may be exhausted and additional
assistance from other public and private partners may be needed.
It is important to consider the following issues during the cleanup and recovery phase.

 Cleanup of debris on public property, the beach, and repair of City infrastructure such
as streets and utilities.
 Hazardous materials specialists may be needed to assist in cleanup efforts.
 Health services may be needed to assist with water purification, inoculations, and
sanitation.
 Safe refuge and shelter sites may be required to house people affected by the
tsunami.

Public Disaster Assistance

The City of Santa Monica will coordinate with county, state, and federal officials in locating
and operating a Disaster Assistance Center if needed. The Disaster Assistance Centers will
provide:
 Emergency family and individuals housing and financial relief information and
services;
 Disaster loans to individuals and businesses when appropriate;
 Temporary housing assistance;
 Crisis counseling.

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After Action Reporting and Documentation: All involved City Departments will be
required to provide a report and log of actions taken during the tsunami response and
recovery efforts. The After Action Report will be collected and finalized by the Office of
Emergency Management.

The After Action Report will contain the names of agency personnel involved in particular
assignments, describe responsibilities, duties performed, detailed accounts of staff hours,
material utilized, any contracts with private vendors to support the emergency operations,
and other pertinent information.

This After Action Report will become part of the official record of the City’s involvement in
the response and recovery operations.

Emergency Public Information (all phases): The Office of Emergency Management is

responsible for developing all public information related to a potential or imminent tsunami
event. The City of Santa Monica has a pre-established Public Information Team comprised
of staff from all City departments. This group will assist in the dissemination of all event
related public information. The team will utilize SM Alerts, City T.V., local media,
department specific email contacts, the City’s website, and other forms of media.

People who live or work in the projected tsunami inundation zone can register for SM Alerts
to receive information updates and notifications of potential tsunami alerts, watches, or
warnings by landline telephone, cellular phone, email, and text message. Those who do not
register with the City of Santa Monica’s notification system will be notified by landline
telephone only.

As part of the Office of Emergency Management’s ongoing disaster preparedness public

education efforts, tsunami preparedness is a primary focus of hazard mitigation community
awareness. Tsunami preparedness information for Santa Monica is available from the Office
of Emergency Management and can be found on the OEM website (www.smgov.net/oem).

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Planning Assumptions:

Based on current scientific and disaster planning information, the majority of Santa Monica
is well protected from the devastating effects witnessed in other parts of the world. The
height of the bluffs north of the Santa Monica Pier and the distance between the ocean and
development south of the Santa Monica Pier provides Santa Monica with a natural, geologic
buffer from significant impacts of a tsunami. The identified inundation zone for Santa
Monica has been developed in an abundance of caution with the most current scientific and
geologic data available. The expected “worst case” scenario of a tsunami in Santa Monica
would likely result in damage to the homes and businesses north of the Santa Monica Pier,
below the bluffs. All areas above the bluffs in Santa Monica are not expected to be
impacted by the effects of a tsunami due to the height of the bluffs. South of the Santa
Monica Pier, experts with the National Weather Services, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), California Geological Survey, California Emergency
Management Agency (Cal EMA) and University of Southern California (USC), state that
there could be “ankle deep water on Main Street south of Pico Blvd”. The City of Santa
Monica evacuation plans would extend up to 4th street to ensure protection of life and
property.

If a near or far source tsunami were to impact Santa Monica, the following assumptions can
be made:
 The activation of the city Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
 There may be loss of life
 There may be significant property damage.
 Large-scale evacuations may be necessary causing otherwise non-impacted jurisdictions
to become a host for displaced populations.
 Transportation and evacuation routes may be damaged /disrupted.
 Power outages may occur and communication systems may be damaged.
 Economic losses to impacted businesses may occur during the response and recovery
phases of a tsunami event.
 Losses to the tourist industry.
 Significant damage to the Santa Monica Pier.
 Releases of toxic pollutants due to the damage of the Santa Monica's Urban Runoff
Recycling Facility.
 Impact to the City of Santa Monica Annenberg Public Beach House located at 415
Pacific Coast Highway

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Tsunami Response Plan

City of Santa Monica Responsibilities:

Tsunami Warning: Reports from responsible authority indicate that TSUNAMI
INUNDATION IS IMMINENT OR HAS OCCURRED. The primary concern of the City of
Santa Monica is the rescue of victims, saving lives, and protecting property.
 Verify the situation with Sheriff’s department or County EOC.
 Make emergency notifications to the public.
 Alert City emergency response staff.
 Alert City Council.
 Declare a State of Emergency.
 Implement evacuation plan.
 Move available City resources to pre-designated higher ground.
 Establish on-going communications with County via OARRS.
 Activate the City EOC at the direction of the City Manager, Police Chief, Fire Chief, or
Director of Public Works to help manage the emergency.
 Ensure safety & logistical support for City staff.
 Send a representative to Unified Command Post as a Liaison.
 Anticipate and provide for Mutual Aid requirements.
 Begin planning for the Recovery phase.
 Continue public notifications.
Tsunami Advisory: Reports from responsible authority indicate a TSUNAMI ADVISORY
HAS BEEN ISSUED.
 Verify the situation, and anticipated arrival.
 Alert City emergency response staff.
 Alert City Council.
 Make preliminary “Advisory” notifications to the public.
 Monitor media for confirmation of arrival.
 Move available City resources to pre-designated higher ground.
 The City EOC may be activated at the direction of the City Manager, Police Chief,
Fire Chief, or Director of Public Works to help manage the emergency.
Tsunami Watch/ Warning/ Alert Cancellation:
 Notify staff members and Council.
 Make necessary public notifications.
 Ensure documentation of all actions taken, for future reference.
 Return all resources that were relocated to their original locations.

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Tsunami Response Plan

Tsunami Response Plan Execution:

In addition to their normal responsibilities, City Departments and agencies are responsible
for the following specific actions as part of the Tsunami Response Plan:
 Plan development and maintenance - Office of Emergency Management.
 Managing emergency operations - Office of Emergency Management.
 Coordination with the Operational Area - Office of Emergency Management.
 Evacuation planning - Santa Monica Police Department.
 Initial recovery planning - Office of Emergency Management.
 Reports to the City Council - Office of Emergency Management.
 Alert and notify the public - Santa Monica Police Department / Office of Emergency
Management / Public Information Team.
 Assessing damage to City facilities - Public Works Department.
 Evacuation transportation - Big Blue Bus.
 Coordination with utilities - Public Works Department.
 Coordination with County Public Health on health impacts - Santa Monica Fire
Department.
 Coordination with the Red Cross on sheltering needs - Office of Emergency
Management / Community and Cultural Services.

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Initial EOC Action Plan:

Implementation of this Plan will be directed by the City Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief, or
Director of Public Works.

RESPONSIBILITIES: In addition to their normal responsibilities, City Departments are

responsible for the following specific actions:

EOC Director (City Manager or Designee):

 Reports to the City Council.
 Implementing overall response and recovery procedures for the City of Santa
Monica.

Office of Emergency Management:

 Plan development and maintenance.
 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordination and activation.
 Activating the Emergency Alert and Notification System.
 Public information prior to and during a tsunami event.
 Policy / decision making.

Operations Section in the EOC:

 Managing emergency operations.
 Coordination with the Operational Area.
 Implementing emergency notifications and evacuations.
 Assessing damage to City facilities.
 Coordinating evacuation transportation needs.
 Coordination with utility companies.
 Coordination with County Public Health on health impacts.
 Coordination with the Red Cross on sheltering needs.

Planning and Intelligence Section in the EOC:

 Evacuation planning.
 Initial recovery planning.
 Documentation of all policies, decisions, resource requests, and other information.
 Developing the Incident Action Plan.
 Developing the Demobilization Plan.
 Developing the After Action Plan.

Logistics Section in the EOC:

 Manage requests for tsunami-related goods and services.
 Procurement assistance and mutual aid assistance can be provided by the County
Operational Area, for issues that cannot be resolved through normal means.

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Finance Section in the EOC:

 The Finance Department will establish guidelines for identifying emergency-related
expenditures for city departments
 The Finance Department will process tsunami-related purchases of goods and
services by city departments. Procurement assistance can be provided by the
County EOC for life safety issues that cannot be resolved through normal means.
 Reports - Upon execution of this plan, the EOC will provide updated situation status
reports to the Los Angeles County Operational Area, Office of Emergency
Management.

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Existing Mitigation Activities:

The City of Santa Monica has implemented a number of tsunami mitigation activities.

These include:

 Tsunami Response and Evacuation Plan.

 SM Alerts, the City’s Alert and Notification System for internal and external partners.
 Tsunami inundation zone and evacuation route signage postings.
 Ongoing public education and outreach regarding tsunami preparedness.
 Use media sources, television, radio, web and social media, to promote public
awareness and education.

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Evacuation Routes:
In the development of the Tsunami Response Plan, the following primary and alternate
evacuation routes have been identified:

Primary Evacuation Routes include:

 Santa Monica Freeway
 Colorado Boulevard
 Pico Boulevard
 Ocean Park Boulevard
 Marine Street

Alternate Evacuation Routes include:

 Ashland Avenue
 Bay Street
 Bicknell Street
 Hill Street
 Pacific Street
 Strand Street

Safe Refuge Sites:

 Santa Monica High School 615 Pico Boulevard

 Olympic High School 721 Ocean Park Boulevard
 Roosevelt Elementary School 801 Montana Avenue
 Washington Preschool 2802 Fourth Street

City Facilities in the Inundation Zone:

City facilities located in the inundation zone are the Santa Monica Pier, Beach Maintenance,
Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility and the Annenberg Community Beach
House. An attempt to contact City staff and visitors at these facilities will be made by public
safety officials. In the event of a tsunami, City staff should not wait for in-person notification
to receive evacuation procedures.

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Tsunami Signage & Maps

Tsunami Hazard Zone Notification

Tsunami Evacuation Route

Indicates Tsunami Evacuation Route Direction

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Public Education & Outreach

As part of the Tsunami Response Plan, the Office of Emergency Management will
implement a comprehensive public education and outreach program. The program will
incorporate printed material, internet information on the City and OEM homepages, public
service announcements and messages on City TV, information provided to local print and
online media outlets, and a series of community based education and information meetings
with those who live and work in Santa Monica. The community meetings will include the
dissemination of the following printed materials:

1. “How to survive a Tsunami” brochure (includes inundation zone and evacuation map)
2. SM Alerts informational flyer
3. Other emergency preparedness materials created by the Office of Emergency
Management

Additionally, a significant part of the public education and outreach efforts are the posting of
the tsunami hazard and tsunami evacuations signs in the inundation zone. The signage is a
constant reminder for those who live, work and visit the inundation zone of the threat of a
tsunami, prompting them to seek additional information.

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Background Information:

General Situation: The Threat

Recent tsunami events around the world serve as a reminder of the need for an effective
tsunami response plan. Tsunamis, though infrequent in the State of California, are highly
dangerous and can potentially cause the loss of life and property damage. California is at
risk of tsunami damage from events that happen within a few minutes of warning or several
hours of warning. In Santa Monica, the identified tsunami inundation zone (see Tsunami
Inundation Zone Map, pg.16) could potentially be at risk.

The tsunami inundation zone in Santa Monica has been identified as:

1. All beaches;
2. The area north of the Santa Monica Pier below the Bluffs (including Palisades Beach
Road and the Annenberg Beach House) to the northern border of the City;
3. South of the Pier, all areas east up to 4th street, and south to the Venice border.

The majority of Santa Monica is well protected from the devastating effects witnessed in
other parts of the world. The height of the bluffs north of the Santa Monica Pier and the
distance between the ocean and development south of the Santa Monica Pier provides
Santa Monica with a natural, geologic buffer from significant impacts of a tsunami. The
identified inundation zone for Santa Monica has been developed in an abundance of caution
with the most current scientific and geologic data available. The expected “worst case”
scenario of a tsunami in Santa Monica would likely result in damage to the homes and
businesses north of the Santa Monica Pier, below the bluffs. All areas above the bluffs in
Santa Monica are not expected to be impacted by the effects of a tsunami due to the height
of the bluffs. South of the Santa Monica Pier, experts state that there could be “ankle deep
water on Main Street south of Pico Blvd”. The City of Santa Monica evacuation plans would
extend up to 4th street to ensure protection of life and property.

Federal, State and County response:

In 1994, the United States Senate Appropriations Committee directed the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to formulate a plan for reducing tsunami risks to
the nation’s coastal residents. Subsequent studies have indicated the potential for a local or
distant source tsunami affecting the pacific shoreline states. Subsequent studies and
workshops sponsored or supported by NOAA, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services have raised the consciousness
of public disaster services agencies, and led to the development of tsunami action plans in
some of the most endangered localities.

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The County Board of Supervisors has recognized the criticality of the tsunami threat and has
directed the preparation of a County Operational Area Tsunami Emergency Response Plan.

Given the above conditions, and the recent activities of Federal, State and County agencies
in defining the issues, a tsunami element would be a prudent addition to the city’s overall
disaster planning efforts. Integration of a tsunami element into existing emergency plans will
provide for coordinated and supported activities, resource allocations, a strong foundation of
expertise, and contain any additional elements necessary to create appropriate preparation
and response.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tsunami?
 A tsunami is a series of waves with a long wavelength and period (time between
crests) generated by a large, impulsive displacement of sea water.
 Time between crests of the wave can vary from a few minutes to over an hour, but
generally are in the range of 15 to 30 minutes.
 Tsunamis are often incorrectly called tidal waves; they have no relation to the daily
ocean tides.

How are tsunamis generated?

 Tsunamis are generated by any large, impulsive displacement of the sea level.
 The most common cause of a tsunami is sea floor uplift associated with an
earthquake.
 Tsunamis are also triggered by landslides into or under the water surface, and can
be generated by volcanic activity and meteorite impacts.

How often do tsunamis occur?

 On the average, two tsunamis occur per year throughout the world which inflicts
damage near the source.
 Approximately every 15 years a destructive, ocean-wide tsunami occurs.

Can strike-slip (horizontal motion) earthquakes trigger tsunamis?

 Yes, approximately 10-15% of damaging tsunamis are triggered by strike-slip
earthquakes.
 This type of earthquake is less likely to trigger a tsunami than one with vertical
motion.
 The waves are likely generated by associated landslides or motion of a sloping
bathymetric feature.
 Tsunamis generated by strike-slip earthquakes normally affect regions near the
source only.

What does the word "tsunami" mean?

 Tsunami (soo-NAH-mee) is a Japanese word meaning harbor wave.

How fast do tsunamis travel?

 Tsunami velocity depends on the depth of water through which it travels
 Tsunamis travel approximately 475 mph in 15,000 feet of water. In 100 feet of water
the velocity drops to about 40 mph.

How big is a tsunami?

 Tsunamis range in size from inches to over a hundred feet.
 In deep water (greater than 600 feet), tsunamis are rarely over 3 feet and are not
normally noticed by ships due to their long period (time between crests).

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 As tsunamis propagate into shallow water, the wave height can increase by over 10
times.
 Tsunami heights vary greatly along a coast. The waves can be amplified by
shoreline and bathymetric (sea floor) features.
 A large tsunami can flood low-lying coastal land over a mile from the coast.

What does a tsunami look like when it reaches shore?

 Normally, a tsunami appears as a rapidly advancing or receding tide.
 It some cases a bore (wall of water) or series of breaking waves may form.

How is a tsunami different from a wind-generated wave?

 Wind-generated waves usually have periods (time between crests) between 5 and 15
seconds. Tsunami periods normally range from 5 to 60 minutes.
 Wind-generated waves break as they shoal and lose energy offshore. Tsunamis act
more like a flooding wave. A twenty foot tsunami is a twenty foot rise in sea level.

What are the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center's (WC/ATWC)
responsibilities?
 The main mission of the WC/ATWC is to help protect life and property from tsunami
hazard by providing tsunami information and warning messages to its area-of-
responsibility (AOR).
 The WC/ATWC AOR is Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Canada, and the ocean
coasts of all U.S. states except Hawaii.
 Develop new processes and techniques to improve response times, forecast
accuracy, and message content to residents in the AOR.
 Increase community preparedness and public tsunami education through the
TsunamiReady program and outreach.
 For more information on the center, see http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/.

When are warnings or advisories issued?

 Warnings are issued when a potentially tsunami-producing earthquake over the
threshold magnitude (7.0 in the Pacific AOR, 6.5 in the Atlantic AOR) occurs in the
AOR.
 Warnings or advisories also may be issued when potentially tsunami-producing
earthquakes over magnitude 7.5 occur outside the AOR and are likely to impact the
AOR.
 The geographic extent of the warning or advisory is based on the size of the
earthquake, tsunami travel times throughout the AOR, and expected impact zones.
 Warnings are normally issued approximately 5 minutes after earthquake occurrence.

Do all large earthquakes, greater than magnitude 7, generate tsunamis?

 No, only those which induce large sea floor displacements capable of disturbing the
sea level over a wide area, or those that trigger landslides which displace significant
amounts of sea water, trigger tsunamis.

How does the WC/ATWC respond to landslide-generated tsunamis?

 Many landslides which generate tsunamis are triggered by large earthquakes. In this
case, local warnings will be issued based on the earthquake size.

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 In some cases, sub-sea landslides will occur with little to no seismic energy release
(e.g., Skagway, AK 1994).
 Historically, these events have been locally destructive with impacts occurring within
minutes. The Tsunami Warning System is not set up to respond to this type of event.

What is a tsunami warning?

 A tsunami warning indicates that a tsunami may be imminent and that coastal
locations in the warned area should prepare for flooding.
 The initial warning is typically based solely on seismic information.
 After the tsunami is recorded on sea level gages, the warning will be cancelled,
restricted, expanded, or downgraded to an advisory.
 Warnings indicate that flooding up to the maximum expected limit is possible and
residents should follow their local emergency management instructions.
 Warnings are issued when the earthquake information or tsunami forecasts indicate
that a wave over 1 meter in amplitude is expected, possible, or ongoing.

What is a tsunami advisory?

 A tsunami advisory indicates a tsunami which may produce strong currents and is
dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected.
 Large inundations are not expected in areas under advisory status.
 Advisories will be cancelled, extended, or upgraded to a warning depending on the
event severity.
 Advisories are issued when the tsunami forecast is in the range of 0.3 to 1 meter, or
an observed tsunami is in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 meters.

What is a tsunami watch?

 A tsunami watch is an early alert issued to areas which may later be impacted by a
tsunami.
 Tsunami impact is normally at least three hours away for regions within a tsunami
watch.
 The watch will either be upgraded to a warning or advisory in subsequent messages
or cancelled depending on the severity of the tsunami.
 People within a watch area should stay alert for further information regarding tsunami
threat.

What are nature's signs that a tsunami may be imminent?

 Hard ground shaking for 20+ seconds near the coast.
 Tsunamis may be accompanied by loud, booming noises or a dramatic recession of
the water line.

Where should I go in the event of a tsunami warning or large, local earthquake?

 Know evacuation routes and potential hazard zones for your area. Most coastal
communities have an evacuation plan and designated safe areas.
 If no tsunami hazard zone has been established or you don't know what it is, as a
rule of thumb move to 100 feet above sea level or 1 mile inland.
 The WC/ATWC issues tsunami warnings, but the warnings and subsequent
evacuations are implemented by state and local emergency management.

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What do I do if I'm in a boat at sea or in a harbor during a tsunami event?

 Mariners in deep water (600 feet or greater) should stay at sea.
 Those in shallow water or harbors should move to deep water if there is enough time
and weather conditions are suitable.

What information does the WC/ATWC evaluate in order to issue tsunami bulletins?
 WC/ATWC acquires seismic data from various seismic networks throughout its AOR.
These data are processed to quickly determine the tsunami-potential of an
earthquake.
 Messages are issued based initially on this first analysis of seismic data.
 If a tsunami may have been generated, sea level data, tsunami models, and
historical tsunami information are analyzed to estimate impact level.
 Based on impact estimations, supplemental messages are issued.

How are tsunami messages issued?

 Warnings are broadcast through standard National Weather Service (NWS)
dissemination methods such as the NOAA Weather Radio-All Hazards, the
Emergency Alert System, and the Emergency Managers Weather Information
Network.
 State Emergency Service Agencies receive the message through the FEMA National
Warning System and the NOAA Weather Wire. The states immediately pass
warnings to local jurisdictions.
 The US Coast Guard relays the message via radio.
 The warnings are posted on the WC/ATWC and NWS web sites.
 Many coastal communities supplement the basic notification systems. Contact the
City of Santa Monica Office of Emergency management for local procedures.

Can the WC/ATWC predict earthquakes and tsunamis?

 No, earthquakes cannot be predicted.
 Once an earthquake has occurred, the arrival time of a tsunami, if generated, can be
determined accurately.
 There is not normally enough time to accurately predict tsunami heights near the
source. Away from the source, tsunami wave heights can be estimated based on
mathematical tsunami models and observed wave heights.

What was the biggest earthquake ever recorded?

 The largest recorded earthquake occurred in Chile (9.5) in 1960.
 The second largest earthquake recorded was the 1964 Alaskan earthquake (9.2).

How is the maximum expected tsunami inundation determined for a specific location?
 In areas where the maximum potential source is known (e.g., areas with an active
subduction zone offshore), tsunami generation, propagation, and run up can be
mathematically modeled and maximum wave heights estimated. Or, if the area's
largest expected earthquake has occurred in recorded times, the historical records
can be used to constrain expectations.
 In areas where the maximum potential source is unknown and no historic events
have occurred (e.g., parts of the U.S. Atlantic coast), maximum expected wave height
is difficult to determine. Many potential sources must be considered to determine the
maximum expectations.
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