KNOW YOUR TSUNAMI HAZARD ZONE:
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TSUNAMI HAZARD DOWNLOADABLE/
PRINTABLE MAPS:
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The California Department of Conservation has a searchable tsunami hazard zone map here.​​​​​​
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tsunami
DEFINITION: A tsunami occurs when there is a sudden, large-scale movement of the sea floor that displaces the water above it. While earthquakes are the most common cause, volcanoes and landslides can also trigger tsunamis. Tsunamis move the entire column of water, from surface, to sea floor.
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Tsunamis are typically classified as local, regional, or distant source, depending on their origin in comparison to where waves occur. A distant-source tsunami may take many hours to arrive on the Del Norte coast, whereas a local-source tsunami can arrive in mere minutes.
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The first tsunami wave is not usually the largest, and waves can continue for hours or even days.
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HISTORY AND SCOPE:​ Del Norte County has been struck by over 40 recorded tsunamis since tide gauges were installed in 1933. Most of these were hardly noticeable, while others caused extensive damage and even deaths. The 1964 Alaskan earthquake tsunami destroyed 29 blocks in the City of Crescent City, killing 11 people. Nearly half of all tsunami fatalities on the U.S. West Coast have occurred here.
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NATURAL VS. OFFICIAL WARNINGS: ​For local or regional source tsunamis, natural warning signs include earthquake shaking, a loud roar coming from the ocean, or the ocean water quickly pulling away or rushing up toward the shore. In a local source tsunami, there may not be time for official warnings. If you notice any of the natural warning signs, quickly move inland away from coastal areas or go to areas of higher elevation.
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For distant source tsunamis with a more delayed arrival time, you may receive warnings to your phone, or on the television, radio or weather radio, or you might hear tsunami sirens. Listen carefully to instructions of Warning messaging to ensure you stay out of harm's way.
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WHAT TO DO
RESPONSE ACTIONS:​ If you feel an earthquake, first, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
If you notice shaking or any other natural warning signs or receive an official warning, move out of the tsunami hazard zone on foot. Be mindful of hazards, and walk to a safe area inland or at higher elevation (areas on green on the maps). STAY THERE until local officials give the all-clear that it is safe to return.
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KNOW YOUR ZONE: View local Tsunami Hazard Maps to find out in advance whether your home, workplace, school, or the other places you frequent are in the Tsunami Hazard Zone. If any of your frequented locations are in the zone (areas in yellow), take the time to map out your exit route to a safe area (areas in green).
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PREPARE: Community members should prepare to be self-sufficient for up to two weeks after a major tsunami, without the benefit of utilities or initial assistance from response agencies. View tips from the American Red Cross to prepare your household. Develop a plan for your household that includes where you will reunite after a major earthquake or tsunami, and how you will contact each other.
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BE AWARE: Find information about recent earthquakes from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), or find current tsunami information at the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC). Know the NWS Tsunami Alert Levels and their meanings in advance so you know how to respond.​
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​GET NOTIFIED: Receive alerts and updates for tsunamis and other hazards through the Del Norte Community Alert System. This is an opt-in system, so you must register in advance to receive notifications. Click here to register today.
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FIND MORE INFORMATION: During active emergencies, the Del Norte Office of Emergency Services puts out emergency information via Community Alerts, our Facebook page, and on KCRE radio, FM 94.3.
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LEARN MORE: Visit the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group to learn more about earthquakes and tsunamis on the North Coast.
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TSUNAMI PREPAREDNESS FOR HOSPITALITY
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Hotel/Motel/ Vacation Rental safety info table tent
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TsunamiSafe Course for hospitality staff
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Tsunami safety hotel/motel key card insert
