NEWS

Tsunami Preparedness on the Long Beach Peninsula: Know Your Evacuation Routes

I posted about evacuation routes mainly focused on ocean park but neglected other areas. Here are links to other areas on the long beach peninsula. Living on the coast is a gift, but it’s also a responsibility. It is recommended you post this in your home on your door to your home  so you have quick access to the map and in your car. For residents and visitors of the Long Beach Peninsula, understanding tsunami risk and knowing evacuation routes can save lives. The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has developed detailed tsunami evacuation brochures and walk maps to help individuals safely navigate to higher ground during a tsunami event. The interactive map below is to help identify areas to see the height of evacuation zones since some tsunamis have been over 100 feet high. These type of tsunamis are rare but you should be aware of higher assembly areas just in case.

In the event of an offshore earthquake, residents and tourists should immediately head to designated tsunami assembly areas marked with the letter “A” on the maps. These assembly points are located on high ground and represent the safest places to gather once the shaking stops. It’s critical to leave the evacuation zone as quickly as possible — do not wait for an official alert if you feel an earthquake.

Download and Review These Official Evacuation Maps:

For an interactive look at evacuation routes, and including heights of Assembly areas the map below is useful.  An “A” is an assembly area.  You can also hit the brochures tab to download evacuation route maps in other areas including the Oregon and Washington coast.

Tsunami evacuation web site

Tsunami Evacuation Map Viewer:
https://nvs.nanoos.org/TsunamiEvac

Key Tips for Tsunami Readiness:

  • Practice your route: Know how long it takes to walk to the nearest assembly area from your home, school, or workplace.
  • Pack a go-bag: Include essentials like water, snacks, a flashlight, medications, and sturdy shoes.
  • Stay informed: Earthquake shaking is your natural warning. Move immediately without waiting for sirens or alerts.
  • Help others: Assist neighbors, especially the elderly or those with mobility issues, during evacuations.

By preparing ahead and using the resources provided, residents and visitors can better protect themselves and their loved ones. Know your evacuation zone, practice your route, and be ready to move uphill and inland as soon as the earth starts to shake. Please assist with the elderly and less mobile of us.