Tsunami Preparedness

Know the Two Types of Tsunamis
Tsunami, route, arrow, direction
There are 5 Evacuation Routes in Seaside. Signs guide you to safety. Maps are also available in the Seaside Visitor's Guide. Be informed!

 


DOWNLOAD TSUNAMI EVACUATION ROUTE MAPS HERE


A tsunami is a set of ocean waves caused by any large, abrupt disturbance of the sea-surface. If the disturbance is close to the coastline, local tsunamis can demolish coastal communities within minutes. A very large disturbance can cause local devastation AND export tsunami destruction thousands of miles away. Tsunamis rank high on the scale of natural disasters. Since 1850 alone, tsunamis have been responsible for the loss of over 420,000 lives and billions of dollars of damage to coastal structures and habitats. Most of these casualties were caused by local tsunamis that occur about once per year somewhere in the world. Predicting when and where the next tsunami will strike is currently impossible. 

Response: Build a go-kit and identify tsunami hazard zones and evacuation routes to prepare; get to high ground during a tsunami warning or if an earthquake lasts longer than 20 seconds.

KNOW THE TWO TYPES OF TSUNAMIS

A Distant Source Tsunami
A DISTANT TSUNAMI will take 4 to 12 hours to come ashore. You will feel no earthquake, and the tsunami will generally be smaller than that from a local earthquake. Typically, there is time for an official warning and evacuation to safety. Should a DISTANT TSUNAMI pose a hazard, NOAA emergency radios and municipal warnings will sound several hours before the wave will strike. Residents should tune in to local radio stations (KUMN, 91.0 FM) or television to learn of the hazard and evacuate to safe areas. Because there will be plenty of time to evacuate safely, it is permissible to evacuate by car. Remember- distant tsunamis pose only limited hazard under most situations, and there will always be enough time to evacuate safely.  A DISTANT TSUNAMI will take 4 to 12 hours to come ashore. You will feel no earthquake, and the tsunami will generally be smaller than that from a local earthquake. Typically, there is time for an official warning and time to evacuate to safety.

What's that sound?
Every first Wednesday of the month at 11:00am, from September through May, the Seaside Police Department conducts a test of its Emergency Warning System. The test includes three beeps, followed by a voice recording in English and Spanish.  Find out more here.

A Local Source Tsunami
LOCAL TSUNAMIS are triggered by long-duration, violent earthquakes less than 100 miles off shore along the Oregon Coast. They pose an extreme hazard to anyone living within tsunami inundation zones. Shaking may last for up to 5 minutes. Waves that follow the earthquake can be 40 ft high and will strike within about 20 minutes of the onset of shaking.
If you feel the ground shaking, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on. When the shaking stops, move to high ground as soon as you possibly can. Do not wait for an official warning. Take time only to grab previously packed survival supplies. Immediately evacuate by foot, bicycle, or small scooter. Do not drive, as roads will likely be impassable due to fallen power poles and damaged bridges.  Have plans prepared in advance to reconnect with loved ones. Budget your evacuation time carefully. Practice regularly to ensure you know your route to safety.

OUR RISK

The Cascadia Subduction Zone is capable of generating a devastating earthquake at any time. On average, the zone produces a 9.0 or larger magnitude earthquake about every 400 to 600 years, although intervals have been as low as 200 years and as high as 1,000 years. The southern end of the zone has historically been more active than the northern. A study published online by the USGS indicates the southern portion of the zone has earthquakes on average every 240 years and has a 40% chance of a major earthquake (8.0 to 8.5) in the next 50 years. According to the Oregon Resilience Plan, there is a 7-15% chance of a magnitude 9.0 earthquake within the next 50 years. Watch this great video on the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake threat produced by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.

EVACUATION MAPS

  • Click HERE for a quick guide to the 5 evacuation routes.
  • Click HERE for an online map showing the fastest route from any address.

 

Be prepared. Be practiced. Be informed. Be safe.  Learn More!


MORE RESOURCES

NEW RESIDENT? 
   MODERATELY PREPARED?
      A SEASONED PREPPER?

This video says it all.  In 20 minutes you'll get a great overview of what, when and how we need to prepare for our future.  The narrator adds a bit of humor as he presents his reasons for being prepared today.  It's compelling and a must watch piece for everyone living on the North Coast.  

This 20 minute video is a great overview of the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and subsequent tsunami.