Press release from the National Weather Service:

Residents across Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino counties are encouraged to participate in the annual North Coast Tsunami Drill on Wednesday, March 25, at 11 a.m. This exercise is coordinated by the Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino counties’ Offices of Emergency Services, the National Weather Service in Eureka, and with the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group. The goal of this drill is to provide an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organizations to practice earthquake and tsunami preparedness for a locally felt earthquake and tsunami.

On March 25 at 11 a.m., if you are in a tsunami zone, practice your evacuation plan by walking to higher ground or outside the tsunami hazard area. If you are not in a tsunami zone, stay where you are, evacuation is not necessary. Instead, use this time to consider how you would respond after an earthquake resulting in major damage.

Keep in mind that dangerous tsunami waves can continue for 24 to 48 hours after the first wave arrives. In a real event, do not return to the tsunami hazard area until officials confirm it is safe.

Notification System Tests

The National Weather Service will issue a test message at 11 a.m. over weather radio, commercial radio, and local TV broadcasts. Unlike in previous years, a live-code tsunami warning WILL NOT be issued. This means the message will not include the words “Tsunami Warning”. Instead, a test message code will be used. The crawler on TV will state this is only a test. Use this test message as your indication to participate in the evacuation drill.

The three coastal counties in Northwest California will also conduct tests of their opt-in public alert and warning notification systems:

• Humboldt County OES will issue a test notification through Humboldt Alert. Residents are encouraged to check their Humboldt Alert accounts and update their contact preferences at this link..
• Del Norte County OES will issue a test notification through the Del Norte Community Alert System. Residents are encouraged to check their Community Alert System accounts and update their contact preferences at this link.
• Mendocino County OES will issue a test notification through MendoAlert. Residents are encouraged to check their MendoAlert accounts and update their contact preferences at this link.

Know Your Zone

Preparedness is key to ensuring community safety during a tsunami. “Know Your Zone” by checking the tsunami hazard maps available on the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group’s website at this link to determine if your home, workplace, or frequently visited areas are in a tsunami hazard zone.

Emergency preparedness saves lives. Let’s be tsunami ready by planning, practicing and staying informed.

Be Prepared

It is important for individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses and governments to work together to prepare for the devastating impacts of disasters. Starting a conversation with your loved ones today can help you to take more actions to prepare. For emergency preparedness tips and resources, please visit this link.