FEMA Advises Residents To Prepare For Tsunamis

BAY AREA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents of the Bay Area to be ready for tsunamis after Tuesday morning's 7.9 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Alaska led to a tsunami warning for much of the Pacific Rim.

Tsunamis, which are caused by underwater earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions and meteorites, result in extremely long waves that can cause coastal flooding and unusual currents.

Area residents are advised to have an evacuation plan and practice following it, as well as to have a plan for communicating with family members or other loved ones if you get separated.

Residents can also build an emergency kit with supplies intended to last roughly 72 hours for a family or household.

It's also important to be familiar with tsunami notification terminology.

Tsunami warnings and tsunami advisories are issued when there's potential for a tsunami to strike. Tsunami warnings are issued when tsunamis are imminent or expected.

In the event of a tsunami, coastal areas could remain inundated with seawater for hours. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately and bring any pets or other animals that could be affected.

For more information go to www.ready.gov/tsunamis.

— Bay City News; Photo by Dan Grinwis on Unsplash