If a tsunami were to strike tomorrow, would you know what to do? In alignment with National Tsunami Awareness Week, LMU Emergency Management is campaigning to ensure all Lions can confidently answer yes.
While the Westchester bluff is elevated enough to not be in the inundation zone, much of the surrounding area – including Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey, and the Ballona Wetlands – are within reach of a tsunami hazard. Living by the coast, it’s important to know how to respond in the unlikely event of a tsunami.
Prepare BEFORE
- Use the interactive tsunami inundation zone map to verify if you live, work, or otherwise frequent a vulnerable area.
- Know the evacuation route from anywhere you frequent that’s in the inundation zone.
- Prepare an emergency kit for your home, car, and workplace. Make a family communication plan for your household.
- Learn the natural warning signs of a tsunami:
- FEEL the ground shaking;
- SEE an unusual disappearance of water, or oncoming wall of water;
- HEAR a loud roar coming from the ocean.
- Be aware and informed.
- Confirm that your mobile phone is set up to receive wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) in your area.
- Purchase a hand crank (or battery operated) flashlight and radio, or purchase a NOAA weather radio receiver (with an alert feature and Specific Area Message Encoding, or SAME) to keep you informed of tsunami watches and warnings.
Survive DURING
- If you are near the ocean, be alert to natural warning signs: water may either drain suddenly, or create a loud roar. If you observe any warning signs:
- Immediately move to higher ground, as far inland as possible. Do not wait for official evacuation orders.
- If you are unable to quickly move inland, find a reinforced concrete building and get to the third floor or above.
- RUN if you see a tsunami coming.
- Stay away from rivers and streams that lead to the ocean; strong tsunami waves and currents may push water up these channels.
Stay Safe AFTER
- Follow all orders from local emergency officials. Tune in to local radio and TV stations for more info/updates.
- Stay away from coastal areas until officials permit you to return. Stay out of floodwaters, which can contain dangerous debris.
- If the tsunami was generated by a local earthquake, be alert for aftershocks.
Please visit lmu.edu/tsunami for further tips and guidance, and be sure to visit LMU Emergency Management at tomorrow’s Wellness Wednesday for free tote bags, emergency kit info, and Lion stress balls, while supplies last.
