National Tsunami Preparedness Week, LAFD: Are You Prepared?

During National Tsunami Preparedness Week, the Los Angeles Fire Department along with Cal EMA ask..

It's Been Two Years, Are You Better Prepared?

Two years ago a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Tohoku Japan, generating a massive tsunami that devastated many of the country's coastal areas and claimed the lives of over 22,000 people. The impact of the tsunami was also felt close to home, along the Pacific coast.

This disaster served as another stark reminder of California's vulnerability to such events. While LAFD and our state continues to be world leaders in our emergency preparation and response efforts, those efforts are of secondary importance.

It is the advance preparedness measures of each individual that provides the first line of defense against any emergency.

By taking the time to learn and understand your risks and working to prepare for those situations, you put yourself and those around you in a better position to survive and endure whatever Mother Nature may send your way...

But first, what is a Tsunami (SOONAHMEE)? Also commonly referred to as a "Tidal Wave", a Tsunami is caused by the displacement of a large body of water that can travel the speed of a Jumbo Jet. They often arrive as a series of waves which could be dangerous for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

Although rare, tsunamis are a powerful and destructive force of nature. Since the year 1812, 14 tsunamis with wave heights higher than three feet have struck the California coast. Only six of these waves were destructive.

Is Los Angeles ready? We are proud to say, the City of Los Angeles was recently recognized by NOAA’s National Weather Service as StormReady® and the largest city in the nation to become TsunamiReady™.

This week (March 24-30) marks National Tsunami Preparedness Week. It is a time to not only reflect on past events, but to learn from them and take action.

The LAFD along with our friends at FEMA provide the following guidelines for what you should do if a tsunami is likely in your area:

• Turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area.
• Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.
• Never go down to the beach to watch a tsunami come in. If you can see the wave you are too close to escape it.
• CAUTION - If there is noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline, this is nature's tsunami warning and it should be heeded. Move away immediately. 

Whats the difference between a Warning, Advisory and Watch?
 

• Warning -> Inundating wave possible -> Full evacuation suggested
• Advisory -> Strong currents likely -> Stay away from the shore
• Watch -> Danger level not yet known -> Stay alert for more info
• Information -> Minor waves at most -> No action suggested

To learn more information on how your family can be prepared for a severe storm or tsunami, please visit:

stormready.noaa.gov

tsunamiready.noaa.gov

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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