Tsunami
Safety Advice
FOUR LEVELS OF MESSAGING
INFORMATION STATEMENT: No danger. A
distant ocean basin may be in danger.
WATCH: Potential danger. Stay tuned for more
information
ADVISORY: Possible strong and dangerous local
currents. Stay tuned for local emergency
guidance.
WARNING: Danger! Run for high ground. Follow
emergency instructions.
Be PREPARED before a Tsunami strikes:
 Know the tsunami history and flooding elevation of your area
Reference resources: http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100314/NEWS/303149993
http://www.1906eqconf.org/tutorials/DevTsunamiReadyComm_Crawford.pdf
For a map of the inundation areas around Port Townsend, go to
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_ofr2002-2_tsunami_hazard_porttownsend.pdf
 Learn the location of the nearest shelter/safe area and the safest route to get there.
Have emergency supplies on hand for at least 7-10 days (Generally recommendations are to keep 3
days worth
of supplies on hand, however, 7-10 days is recommended for Olympic Peninsula residents primarily
because of limited access routes to restore resources).
 Keep emergency supplies in a backpack near your front door.
 Learn how to turn off utilities
 Get basic first aid and CPR instruction:
Friends & Family American Heart Association CPR & Pediatric First Aid
First Sat. of each month. Classes are FREE. Call 360-301-5985 to register.
Infant CPR 1-3PM; Child/Adult CPR 2-3:30PM; Pediatric First Aid 3:30-4:30PM
East Jefferson Fire Rescue Lawrence Street Station, Port Townsend
 Discuss evacuation plans with family members.
When a TSUNAMI WATCH is issued for your area:
 A WATCH means a dangerous tsunami has not yet been verified. If one exists, it may only be one
hour away.
 Frequently monitor radio, Coast Guard emergency frequencies, NOAA Weather Radio or other
reliable source.
 If you live in a low lying area, check your emergency supplies. Remember to include special
medications, infant needs, warm clothing, water and cash. Review evacuation plans with family
members. If you have special evacuation needs (handicapped, elderly, small children), consider
early evacuation.
 If time permits, secure important loose objects around your home/business.
 Only consider taking your boat to deep water if time, weather and its seaworthiness permit.
 Be prepared to evacuate.
When a TSUNAMI WARNING is issued in your area:
 A Tsunami Warning means a dangerous tsunami may have been generated and could be very
close. Estimated times of wave arrival are given for selected coastal areas.
 If you are on the beach or near the shoreline, and you feel an earthquake evacuate to higher
ground immediately. DO NOT WAIT FOR A FORMAL WARNING.
 Closely monitor radio, Coast Guard emergency frequencies, NOAA Weather Radio or other
reliable source. (For Jefferson County, the Puget Sound Marine frequency is 162.425.
Frequencies for other parts of Washington State can be found at
www.weather.gov/nwr/Cnty/Cov/nwrWA.htm)
 Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered to do so. Take your
emergency kit with you.
 NEVER go down to the beach to watch the tsunami.
 Turn off your electric and propane services at the main IF time permits. Do not use the
telephone except in a genuine emergency.
 Once in a safe place, do not return to the hazard zone until local officials have issued an “all
clear.”
 All tsunamis, like hurricanes, are potentially dangerous even though they may not damage every
coastline they strike.