Although large tsunamis are very infrequent on our coastline, the consequences of this type of disaster are devastating. Anyone living near the coast should gain an understanding of this threat and the proper emergency action steps.

A Tsunami is a series of potentially dangerous ocean waves generated by disturbances associated with earthquakes, volcanoes, or major submarine landslides. The waves arrive every 10 to 60 minutes, and the first wave may not be the largest. Arrival time of waves can be predicted, but the intensity of the wave when it reaches shore cannot.

The Sheriff’s Department along with other local police agencies is responsible for alerting coastal areas of an approaching tsunami.

Evacuation is voluntary on the part of the residents. Law enforcement officials can only warn people of the hazard.

Historical records indicate a small probability of a major tsunami in Ventura County. It has been over 160 years since the last major tsunami; however, many smaller, unrecorded tsunamis may have occurred.

What can I do to protect my family and myself?

q       Find out if your home is in a danger area. Know the height of your street above sea level and the distance of your street from the coast. Evacuation orders may be based on these numbers.

q       Make a disaster plan beforehand. Know where to go to survive a tsunami. Pick an inland location that is elevated. After an earthquake or other natural disaster, roads in and out of the vicinity may be blocked, so pick more than one evacuation route and be prepared to walk.

q       Assemble a portable disaster supply kit. Have a kit available in your car, at home and at work. Put your kit in a backpack and leave it in an easy-to-reach location.

q       Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Know which radio station(s) to listen to for official information. Hold earthquake/tsunami drills at home or at work.

q       Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact.” After a disaster, often it’s easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

q       Take a first aid class. Learn survival skills, talk with your family, friends and neighbors. Knowledge is your greatest defense against any potential disaster.

q       Be familiar with the tsunami warning signs. People living along the coast should consider a coastal earthquake (5.0 or greater) or a sizable ground rumbling as a warning signal. A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is also a sign that a tsunami is approaching.

q       Count the seconds of shaking during an earthquake. Twenty to 30 seconds of severe shaking is a warning sign that a tsunami may follow. Don’t wait for officials to issue a warning. Evacuate immediately to higher ground.

q       Listen to your local EAS station for information on location of epicenter, magnitude of earthquake, evacuation instructions, and when it is safe to return.