Tsunami


Drop, Cover, Hold on

You should first protect yourself from an earthquake. When the shaking stops, move quickly to higher ground away from the coast. Signs a tsunami may be imminent: if you feel a strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more near the coast, rapid change in water elevation, or a loud roar from the ocean, go to high ground IMMEDIATELY.




The Harbor Safety Committee of the Humboldt Bay Area along with the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services, the National Weather Service in Eureka and other agencies and partners have produced documents in regards to possible mariner action in the event of a DISTANT source tsunami such as the one that was generated after the March 11, 2011 M9.0 Tohoku (Tohoku-Chiho Taiheiyo-Oki) Earthquake which occurred near Sendai, Japan. This earthquake sent a series of tsunami waves to the west coast of the United States within 8 to 10 hours. Widespread damage occurred along the coast including the sinking of 35 vessels and complete destruction of the Crescent City harbor. The documents below are relative only to the HUMBOLDT BAY AREA and are for DISTANT SOURCE tsunamis only.

Please take a few moments to review the Best Maritime Practices and consider your options. Best Maritime Practices for Small Craft includes all commercial fishing vessels, sailing vessels, recreational motor vessels and all vessels under 300 gross tons.

Ship and Barge operators should review the Precautionary Actions for Ocean Going Ships and Barges.


Tsunami Evacuation Maps

These are great maps to sit down with your family and locate where you live, work, school and play. Get to know your safe areas.


Living on Shaky Ground

Prepare your family and home before an earthquake or tsunami.