Ready in 5 · Lesson 2 of 6 · About 5 minutes
Tsunami
Say it: soo-NAH-mee
Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanoes under the sea. Source: NOAA (opens in a new tab)
Go at your own pace. You can do this lesson alone or with a support person. Read each question, think about your answer, then press Show the answer.
Step 1: Identify the alert
How do you know there is a tsunami?
Think about your answer first. Then check it.
Show the answer
It will be announced on the radio or TV news. If you feel an earthquake, be ready for a tsunami.
Step 2: Stay or go
Do you stay where you are, or leave?
Think about your answer first. Then check it.
Show the answer
Go. Walk (don't run!) away from the water and uphill.
Step 3: Call 911 or not
Do you call 911?
Think about your answer first. Then check it.
Show the answer
No. There is no time, and 911 can't stop a tsunami.
Step 4: Stay calm
You know what to do. Let's take a minute to calm down.
- Take a deep breath in.
- Slowly let it out.
- Try it one more time: breathe in, then slowly breathe out.
Step 5: Take action: Go, follow, wait
Practice these three steps. Say them out loud, then act them out.
- 1st
GO!
Go away from the water. Go uphill.
- 2nd
FOLLOW!
Follow the tsunami evacuation route signs.
- 3rd
WAIT!
Stay at the assembly area until it is safe to go back.
On the Oregon coast
- A strong earthquake can be the only warning. When the shaking stops, go to high ground right away. Don't wait for a TV or radio alert.
- Learn your walking route to high ground before an emergency. Practice it with your support person.
- Keep your Go-Bag by the door so you can grab it and go. See the Go-Bag check lesson.
- Stay at the assembly area until officials say it is safe. More waves can come for hours.
Your tsunami drill card
Print this card and keep it in your wallet, on a lanyard, or by the door. The pictures show the three steps.
Finished the lesson?
Mark it done to keep track on the training page. This is saved only on this device.
Learn more
- NOAA: What is a tsunami? (opens in a new tab)
- Ready.gov: Tsunamis (opens in a new tab)What to do before, during, and after a tsunami.
- Oregon Tsunami Clearinghouse (opens in a new tab)Tsunami evacuation maps for Oregon coast towns.
- Ready Now! Emergency Preparedness Tool Kit (opens in a new tab)From the OHSU University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.