Coastal Residents Advised To Be Ready For Tsunamis

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents along the California coast to be ready for tsunamis after Tuesday's morning's 7.9 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Alaska led to a tsunami warning for much of the Pacific Rim.

Tsunamis, which are caused by underwater earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions and meteorites, result in extremely long waves that can cause coastal flooding and unusual currents.

Area residents are advised to have an evacuation plan and practice following it, as well as to have a plan for communicating with family members or other loved ones if you get separated. Residents can also build an emergency kit with supplies intended to last roughly 72 hours for a family or household.

It's also important to be familiar with tsunami notification terminology. Tsunami warnings and tsunami advisories are issued when there's potential for a tsunami to strike. Tsunami warnings are issued when tsunamis are imminent or expected.

In the event of a tsunami, coastal areas could remain inundated with seawater for hours. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately and bring any pets or other animals that could be affected. For more information go to www.ready.gov/tsunamis.

See Also:

• Earthquakes Rattle Santa Cruz County
• Are You Really Ready for the Next Big California Earthquake?

By Bay City News

Photo courtesy Renee Schiavone/ Patch