|
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
Tsunami Heed natural and official warnings. If there's an earthquake or a rapid rise or fall in coastal waters, evacuate to high ground. Likewise, if you hear tsunami sirens or warnings on radio or television, find high ground.
The
nearest ground above Tsunami level is Hogan's Corner, north of the
entrance to Ocean Shores at the intersection of Highways 109 and 115. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center |
What is a Tsunami? A tsunami is a series of waves most commonly caused by an earthquake beneath the sea floor. If a large earthquake displaces the sea floor near the Washington Coast, the first waves may reach the shore minutes after the ground stops shaking. There would be no time for authorities to issue a warning. Following an earthquake far out in the Pacific Ocean it may take hours for tsunami waves to reach the Washington Coast. The Alaska Tsunami Warning Center alerts local officials who may order evacuation, but isolated areas may not recieve official announcements. If you notice a sudden drop or rise in sea level, it may be a warning of impending danger. Move to high ground or inland immediately. The waves can kill and injure people and cause great property damage where they come ashore. The first wave is often not the largest; successive waves may be spaced many minutes apart and continue to arrive for several hours. Where and when do tsunamis occur? Tsunamis occur at any time of the day or night, under any and all weather conditions, and in all seasons. Beaches open to the ocean, by bay entrances or tidal flats, and the shores of coastal rivers are especially vulnerable to tsunamis. How do I know when to evacuate? A strong offshore earthquake may generate a tsunami. Therefore, if you feel the ground shake, evacuate inland or to high ground immediately and return only after officials say it is safe to do so. During distant source tsunami events, local Emergency Management officials will advise citizens to evacuate by making an announcement over the Emergency Alert System or over NOAA Weather Radio. Where do I evacuate? Go to an area 50 feet above sea level, if possible. If you don't have time to travel to high ground, but are in a multi-story building, go to an upper level of the home or building. If you are on the beach and unable to get to high ground go inland as far as you can. The tsunami evacuation map illustrates the primary evacuation routes and congregation areas. Take your disaster supply kit with you. How do I get inland or to high ground? Go on foot if necessary, particularly if an earthquake has caused damage to roads, power lines, and resulted in significant debris. The nearest ground above Tsunami level is Hogan's Corner, the intersection of Highways 109 & 115 north of Ocean Shores. Remember: Never go to the beach to watch a tsunami. Tsunamis move faster than a person can run. If you are camping on or near the beach, you may have to abandon your campsite to go inland or to higher ground to save your life. Do not return to shore after the first wave. Wait for Emergency Management officials to give the "All Clear" before you return. If you see an unexpected rise or fall in the coastal water, a tsunami may be approaching. Do not wait - instead move inland or uphill as quickly as possible. Stay tuned to your radio, marine radio or NOAA Weather Radio during a disaster. Bulletins will be issued regularly through local Emergency Management officials and National Weather Service. Call 9-1-1 only for life threatening emergencies.
What should I do if an earthquake occurs while at the coast? Drop, cover and hold. Get under a sturdy object and hold on. Watch for falling objects. As soon as the shaking is over, move to high ground or inland. Do not wait for an official warning. Stay away from the beach. Waves may continure to arrive for hours. Listen to your local radio station for an official "All Clear" notice before returning to the coastal area. Be alert for aftershocks.
What can I do to protect myself from a tsunami? Develop a family disaster plan. Everyone needs to know what to do on their own to protect themselves from an earthquake. Be familiar with local Emergency Management earthquake and tsunami plans. Know where to go to survive a tsunami. Be prepared to survive on your own for a minimum of three days. Prepare a disaster supply kit for you home, automobile and work. A list of recommended supplies for your kit may be found below. Take a first aid course and learn survival skills. Knowledge is your greatest defense against potential disaster. For more information, call: Washington State Emergency Management Division at (800) 562-6108, or visit our web site at: http://www.wa.gov/wsem/
Or call your local Emergency Management office: Grays Harbor
Emergency Management at (360) 249-3911
or visit our home page at:
Pacific County Emergency Management at (360) 875-9340 or visit
our web site at:
When you feel the ground shake: Drop, cover and hold. Evacuate inland or to higher ground immediately. (Do not wait for notification.) Take your 3-day disaster supply kit. Be aware of aftershocks. Do not return to the beach until emergency officials give the "All Clear" notice. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local radio station for information on shelter locations and emergency broadcasts. NOAA Weather Radio Frequencies: Astoria 162.40 Mhz Mt. Octopus 162.475 Mhz (Olympic Mountains) Olympia 162.475 Mhz (Capitol Peak)
Disaster Supply Kit
Assemble a 3-day minimum supply: Evacuation signs and what they mean: Tsunami evacuation routes were developed to assist coastal residents and visitors find safer locations in case of an earthquake and tsunami. Evacuation signs have been placed along roadways to indicate the direction inland or to higher ground. In some places, there may be more than one direction available to reach safer areas. These routes may be marked with several signs showing additional options for evacuation. You will need to know the evacuation routes for your area. Community Plans Every attempt has been made by local Emergency Management offices to locate evacuation routes and public congregation areas that are safe, within a reasonable distance for foot or vehicle traffic, and accessible within a short period of time. These are difficult criteria to meet in some geographic areas, primarily as a result of private property issues. For that reason, residents who may be impacted by tsunami activity, but do not have an "official" route or congregation area within a reasonable distance, are urged to work together to develop an evacuation plan within their neighborhood or community. A plan should address property access issues, evacuation routes, and what might be expected in terms of numbers of people needing to access a locally organized congregation area.
|
North
Beach School District North Beach School District: Superintendent Stan Pinnick said he realizes tsunamis pose a serious threat to North Beach Schools, and he's planned accordingly. Each school has a multi-faceted plan, with warning time dictating various actions. Students at Pacific Beach Elementary will walk up a nearby hill in most cases. If time permits and the situation seems exceptionally severe, they may be bused to the nearby Camp Bethel. At Ocean Shores Middle and High School, students will "evacuate" to the second floor of the main building if there is less than 30 minutes of warning. At Ocean Shores Elementary, students will stay in their one-story building. If 30 minutes to four hours are available, buses and cars will transport all students to Hogan's Corner. If there are more than four hours to prepare, students will be dismissed to their homes. From the Daily World 2/9/05
|
|
|
Site Copyright 2002-2005 OShores.com |
