P:
Do you know where I can go to find out about various coastal towns' emergency preparedness and directions for evacuation in the event of a tsunami?
R:
Thank you for your question! Anyone living near or visiting the Oregon Coast should have knowledge of what to do in the event of a tsunami.
How to prepare for a tsunami
- Assemble a kit of emergency supplies. It is advised that you keep emergency supplies in your car, in your home, and in your workplace. The following resource has everything you need to know about making an emergency kit:
- Survival Basics: Emergency Kits, OSU Extension
- Plan a route to get to high ground as fast as possible. Experts believe there is only a 20-minute window between the earthquake and the arrival of the first tsunami wave. Therefore knowing the fastest way to get to high ground and the predetermined tsunami evacuation routes is imperative.
- According to Patrick Corcoran a leading expert in tsunami preparedness, the Oregon Tsunami Clearinghouse website is a great place to get tsunami preparedness and response information.
- Make a plan of where to reunite with loved ones. A large earthquake could result in power outages and a loss of cell service, so planning ahead is critical.
Related content
Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension:
Community disaster preparedness, Family emergency preparedness
