With over 1700 miles of coastline and the Olympic Peninsula at 300 miles in length, Washington State coastline is at some level of risk for Tsunamis. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the Washington Emergency Management Division, at least eleven of the counties in Washington State and over 500 miles of Washington’s coastline are at some level of risk for tsunami activity.
Washington State residents need to be prepared for the threat of a tsunami beyond simply following the blue and white evacuation signs located in every coastal area of the region. Each area has its own protocol for evacuation, and residents should prepare by learning the protocol for their specific region.
Residents can find more information from the National Tsunami Warning Center and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, or they can contact the Washington Department of Natural Resources to learn more about the history of tsunamis in the region and to help create an emergency plan for evacuation.
Residents can also prepare by moving things such as boats and other water vessels to a higher ground where they are less likely to break free and cause damage to people and property. During a tsunami warning, residents should stay alert and prepare to evacuate based on the protocol for their specific area.
Families may wish to set a plan in place before any threat for reuniting and communication should a tsunami occur while some are away at school or work. This can help to ease the minds of children and family members who are considering leaving a safe zone to go in search of them.
Thanks to advanced technology, most tsunamis today can be predicted before they ever hit the coast, and appropriate evacuation measures can begin before anyone is in danger. Visitors to the coastal areas should take note of the blue and white evacuation sites and be familiar with the evacuation routes to ensure their safety in the event of a tsunami.
© Lefty Graves. 2023 All Rights Reserved.
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