Business Continuity ESG Blog

Riding the Wave: How 10 US Cities Prepare for Tsunamis

Written by William Tygart | 1/11/25 8:21 AM

Tsunamis, those towering walls of water unleashed by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, pose a significant threat to coastal communities worldwide. In the United States, where memories of past devastation linger, a network of cities stands ready, armed with innovative programs and hard-won lessons to safeguard lives and property. This article delves into the tsunami preparedness strategies of 10 US cities, offering a glimpse into their unique challenges, best practices, and collaborative efforts.

Tsunami Risks in the United States

The US coastline, stretching along the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico, faces diverse tsunami risks. While the Pacific coast, particularly Alaska, Hawaii, and the Cascadia Subduction Zone, bears the brunt of historical impacts, no coastal area is entirely immune. The frequency and severity of tsunamis vary significantly depending on factors like proximity to earthquake zones, coastal topography, and local geography.

Case Studies: 10 Cities Leading the Way in Tsunami Preparedness

Honolulu, Hawaii

Located in the heart of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," Honolulu has a long and sometimes tragic history with tsunamis. The city has experienced 26 tsunamis with flood elevations greater than 3.3 feet (1 meter) during recorded history, with 10 causing significant damage1. This translates to a recurrence interval of one large tsunami reaching Hawaiian shores every 7 years and one damaging tsunami reaching Oahu every 19 years2.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Warning Systems: Honolulu boasts an extensive siren warning system, providing immediate alerts to residents3.
  • Evacuation Zones and Routes: Detailed evacuation zone maps guide residents to safety4.
  • Public Education Campaigns: Ongoing public education campaigns raise awareness about tsunami risks and preparedness measures5.
  • Regular Drills: Regular drills ensure that residents are familiar with evacuation procedures6.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1946 tsunami, which caused significant damage and loss of life, highlighted the need for a robust warning system and public education7.
  • The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami emphasized the importance of international collaboration and real-time data sharing8.

Challenges:

  • Honolulu's dense population and reliance on tourism pose challenges for evacuation and shelter management9.
  • Protecting critical infrastructure, including hospitals and transportation networks, is crucial10.

Innovative Approaches:

  • The Hawaiʻi Hazards Awareness and Resilience Program (HHARP) promotes community-based preparedness and self-reliance3.
  • The city has developed a Long-Term Disaster Recovery (LTDR) Plan to guide recovery efforts4.

Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska's location near major fault lines makes it highly susceptible to tsunamis. Anchorage, the state's largest city, faces a unique challenge due to its position at the head of Cook Inlet. While most of the city is relatively safe, low-lying coastal areas, including the Port of Alaska, are vulnerable under specific conditions11.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Tsunami Inundation Mapping: Detailed maps identify areas at risk of inundation12.
  • Public Outreach: Extensive public outreach programs educate residents about tsunami hazards13.
  • Warning Systems: Anchorage utilizes a comprehensive warning system, including sirens and emergency alerts14.
  • Evacuation Planning: Evacuation plans guide residents to safety in case of a tsunami warning15.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, which caused widespread damage and loss of life, highlighted the need for community-level preparedness16.
  • The 2018 Anchorage earthquake emphasized the importance of clear communication and addressing confusion about tsunami risks17.

Challenges:

  • Anchorage's size and diverse population pose challenges for communication and evacuation18.
  • Ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure, including the Port of Alaska, is crucial15.

Innovative Approaches:

  • The city has developed inclusive emergency preparedness programs to reach diverse communities19.
  • The Alaska Disaster Preparedness program provides practical tools and resources for residents20.

Seward, Alaska

Seward, a coastal community with a history of tsunami impacts, has learned valuable lessons in preparedness. The city faces a significant risk due to its location near the Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone21.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Community Awareness: Seward emphasizes community awareness and education about tsunami hazards22.
  • Evacuation Procedures: Well-defined evacuation procedures guide residents to safety23.
  • Alert Systems: A network of warning sirens provides immediate alerts in case of a tsunami24.
  • Tsunami Evacuation Routes: Clearly marked evacuation routes guide residents to higher ground25.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1964 Good Friday earthquake and tsunami, which devastated Seward, led to significant improvements in preparedness and infrastructure development26.
  • The event highlighted the importance of post-disaster redevelopment that considers future tsunami risks27.

Challenges:

  • Seward's vulnerability to both local and distant tsunamis requires a comprehensive approach to preparedness28.
  • Balancing economic development with tsunami risk mitigation is crucial29.

Innovative Approaches:

  • Seward has implemented pedestrian evacuation modeling to assess the effectiveness of evacuation routes22.
  • The city utilizes a variety of resources and tools to promote emergency preparedness15.

Kodiak, Alaska

Kodiak, another Alaskan coastal city, has a strong focus on tsunami preparedness. The city faces a significant risk due to its proximity to the Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone and the potential for localized landslides30.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Warning System: Kodiak has a well-established warning system, including sirens and emergency alerts31.
  • Community Education Programs: Comprehensive community education programs raise awareness about tsunami hazards32.
  • Evacuation Routes: Clearly marked evacuation routes guide residents to safety33.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and tsunami, which caused significant damage in Kodiak, led to improvements in preparedness and infrastructure development34.
  • The event highlighted the importance of community resilience and rebuilding efforts35.

Challenges:

  • Kodiak's vulnerability to both local and distant tsunamis requires a comprehensive approach to preparedness36.
  • Ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure, including the fishing industry, is crucial31.

Innovative Approaches:

  • Kodiak has developed a comprehensive emergency preparedness guide for residents31.
  • The city utilizes a variety of resources and tools to promote emergency preparedness32.

Seattle, Washington

While not as frequently impacted as Alaska or Hawaii, the Puget Sound area is vulnerable to tsunamis generated by both distant earthquakes and local events, including landslides and earthquakes on the Seattle Fault37.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Hazard Assessment: Seattle has conducted thorough hazard assessments to identify tsunami risks38.
  • Public Education: Public education programs raise awareness about tsunami hazards and preparedness measures39.
  • Warning Systems: Seattle utilizes a warning system that includes sirens and emergency alerts40.
  • Evacuation Planning: Evacuation plans guide residents to safety in case of a tsunami warning41.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1949 Olympia earthquake, which triggered a landslide and tsunami in the Tacoma Narrows, highlighted the risk of locally generated tsunamis42.
  • The 1964 Alaskan earthquake emphasized the need for preparedness for distant tsunamis37.

Challenges:

  • Seattle's complex geography and dense population pose challenges for evacuation and shelter management42.
  • Protecting critical infrastructure, including transportation networks and port facilities, is crucial43.

Innovative Approaches:

  • The Seattle Emergency Communication Hubs network promotes community-based preparedness and communication38.
  • The city has developed a comprehensive resilience strategy to address a variety of hazards44.

Long Beach, Washington

Long Beach, a coastal community on the Washington coast, has a robust tsunami preparedness program. The city faces a significant risk due to its location near the Cascadia Subduction Zone and its long, low-lying peninsula45.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Warning Systems: Long Beach utilizes a warning system that includes sirens and emergency alerts46.
  • Evacuation Maps: Detailed evacuation maps guide residents to safety47.
  • Community Drills: Regular community drills ensure that residents are familiar with evacuation procedures48.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1964 Alaskan earthquake, which caused damage in Long Beach, highlighted the need for preparedness for distant tsunamis49.
  • The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami emphasized the importance of community-level preparedness and education50.

Challenges:

  • Long Beach's vulnerability to both local and distant tsunamis requires a comprehensive approach to preparedness51.
  • The city's large tourist population poses challenges for communication and evacuation52.

Innovative Approaches:

  • Long Beach has implemented a Tsunami Roadshow to educate residents about tsunami hazards and preparedness50.
  • The city has installed a tsunami survival capsule as a potential shelter option53.

Seaside, Oregon

Seaside, one of the most proactive cities on the Oregon coast regarding tsunami preparedness, has a detailed evacuation plan, a network of warning sirens, and ongoing public education efforts54.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Evacuation Plan: Seaside has a detailed evacuation plan that includes maps and designated routes55.
  • Warning Sirens: A network of warning sirens provides immediate alerts in case of a tsunami56.
  • Public Education: Ongoing public education efforts raise awareness about tsunami risks and preparedness measures57.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1964 Alaskan earthquake, which caused damage in Seaside, highlighted the need for preparedness for distant tsunamis58.
  • The event emphasized the importance of community-level preparedness and education55.

Challenges:

  • Seaside's vulnerability to both local and distant tsunamis requires a comprehensive approach to preparedness59.
  • The city's large tourist population poses challenges for communication and evacuation58.

Innovative Approaches:

  • Seaside has implemented a Tsunami Awareness Program to educate residents and businesses about tsunami hazards55.
  • The city utilizes a variety of resources and tools to promote emergency preparedness54.

Newport, Oregon

Similar to Seaside, Newport has taken significant steps to prepare for tsunamis, including developing tsunami inundation maps, implementing a warning system, and conducting regular evacuation drills60.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Tsunami Inundation Maps: Detailed maps identify areas at risk of inundation61.
  • Warning System: Newport utilizes a warning system that includes sirens and emergency alerts62.
  • Evacuation Drills: Regular evacuation drills ensure that residents are familiar with evacuation procedures63.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1964 Alaskan earthquake, which caused damage in Newport, highlighted the need for preparedness for distant tsunamis64.
  • The event emphasized the importance of community-level preparedness and education65.

Challenges:

  • Newport's vulnerability to both local and distant tsunamis requires a comprehensive approach to preparedness66.
  • The city's reliance on tourism and fishing industries poses challenges for economic resilience67.

Innovative Approaches:

  • Newport has implemented a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to train residents in disaster response skills60.
  • The city utilizes a variety of resources and tools to promote emergency preparedness68.

Crescent City, California

Crescent City has a history of tsunami impacts and has learned valuable lessons in preparedness. The city faces a significant risk due to its location near the Cascadia Subduction Zone and its unique harbor geography, which can amplify tsunami waves66.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Warning System: Crescent City has a siren warning system that provides immediate alerts69.
  • Public Education: Public education programs raise awareness about tsunami hazards and preparedness measures70.
  • Evacuation Planning: Evacuation plans guide residents to safety in case of a tsunami warning69.
  • Vertical Evacuation Structures: Crescent City has constructed vertical evacuation structures to provide safe refuge for residents69.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1964 Alaskan earthquake and tsunami, which caused significant damage and loss of life in Crescent City, led to major improvements in preparedness and infrastructure development64.
  • The event highlighted the importance of community resilience and rebuilding efforts65.

Challenges:

  • Crescent City's vulnerability to both local and distant tsunamis requires a comprehensive approach to preparedness67.
  • The city's harbor modifications may have inadvertently increased its vulnerability to tsunami currents71.

Innovative Approaches:

  • Crescent City has developed a tsunami walking tour to educate residents and visitors about the city's tsunami history67.
  • The city has implemented a TsunamiReady program to promote community-level preparedness69.

Eureka, California

The Humboldt Bay Area, where Eureka is located, faces a tsunami risk due to its location near the Cascadia Subduction Zone69.

Disaster Readiness Program:

  • Public Outreach: Eureka's emergency management program includes public outreach about the tsunami threat69.
  • Warning and Evacuation Procedures: The city has defined warning and evacuation procedures to guide residents to safety70.

Lessons Learned:

  • The 1964 Alaskan earthquake and tsunami, which caused damage in Eureka, highlighted the need for preparedness for distant tsunamis72.
  • Recent earthquakes have emphasized the importance of effective evacuation procedures and addressing traffic congestion during evacuations73.

Challenges:

  • Eureka's vulnerability to both local and distant tsunamis requires a comprehensive approach to preparedness74.
  • The city's aging infrastructure and limited resources pose challenges for mitigation and response efforts72.

Innovative Approaches:

  • Eureka has implemented a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to train residents in disaster response skills72.
  • The city utilizes a variety of resources and tools to promote emergency preparedness73.

Common Themes and Best Practices

Across these 10 cities, several common themes and best practices emerge in tsunami preparedness:

  • Community Engagement: Successful programs prioritize community engagement, involving residents in planning, education, and drills.
  • Public Education: Comprehensive public education campaigns raise awareness about tsunami risks and preparedness measures.
  • Warning Systems: Effective warning systems, including sirens, emergency alerts, and NOAA Weather Radio, provide timely notifications.
  • Evacuation Planning: Detailed evacuation maps and clearly marked routes guide residents to safety.
  • Regular Drills: Regular drills ensure that residents are familiar with evacuation procedures and can respond quickly in an emergency.

Lessons Learned and Opportunities for Improvement

Past tsunamis have provided valuable lessons that have shaped preparedness efforts in these cities:

  • The Importance of Early Warning: The 1964 Alaskan earthquake and tsunami highlighted the need for rapid and reliable warning systems.
  • Community-Level Preparedness: The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami emphasized the importance of community-based preparedness and resilience.
  • Addressing Unique Vulnerabilities: Each city faces unique challenges, such as dense populations, tourist influxes, and specific geographic features, that require tailored preparedness strategies.

Opportunities for improvement include:

  • Enhancing Communication: Improving communication strategies to reach diverse populations, including those with limited English proficiency and disabilities.
  • Strengthening Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as vertical evacuation structures and tsunami-resistant buildings.
  • Increasing Public Awareness: Continuing to raise public awareness about tsunami risks and preparedness measures through education and outreach programs.

Conclusion

These 10 US cities stand as examples of proactive tsunami preparedness, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding lives and property. By learning from past events, embracing innovation, and fostering community engagement, they provide a model for other coastal communities facing similar threats. As the world grapples with the increasing impacts of climate change and natural hazards, their efforts offer a beacon of hope and resilience.

Works cited

  1. USGS Geologic Investigations Series I-2761, Oahu, accessed January 11, 2025, https://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/i2761/sections/3_Oahu.pdf
  2. 9. Tsunamis - Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, accessed January 11, 2025, https://resilientoahu.org/s/Multi-HazardPre-DisasterMitigationPlanfortheCityCountyofHonolulu_Part2_Small.pdf
  3. Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency | HHARP - Hawaii DoD, accessed January 11, 2025, https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/resources/hharp/
  4. Disaster Preparedness & Trainings - Waikiki Business Improvement District, accessed January 11, 2025, https://waikikibid.org/disaster-preparedness-and-trainings/
  5. Disaster Preparedness | Hawaii Region - American Red Cross, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii/about-us/our-work/disaster-preparedness.html
  6. Hazards — Resilience Office - City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.resilientoahu.org/hazards
  7. Surviving a Tsunami—Lessons from Chile, Hawaii, and Japan - NOAA Office for Coastal Management, accessed January 11, 2025, https://coast.noaa.gov/data/digitalcoast/pdf/tsunami-survivor-stories.pdf
  8. Lessons from the 2004 tsunami: UH's Pacific Disaster Center helps make the world safer, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2025/01/08/2004-tsunami-pdc-disaster-management/
  9. SECTION 4. RISK ASSESSMENT - Hawaii DoD, accessed January 11, 2025, https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/files/2018/06/Draft-Section-4.13-Tsunamis.pdf
  10. Tsunami - Hawaii DoD, accessed January 11, 2025, https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/files/2023/01/Draft_Section-4.13-D_Tsunami-508-Check.pdf
  11. New research shows tsunamis pose 'rare but real' threat to Anchorage, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2023/08/16/new-research-shows-tsunami-poses-rare-but-real-threat-to-anchorage/
  12. Preparedness Emergency Preparedness - Anchorage - Muni.org, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.muni.org/Departments/OEM/Prepared/pages/default.aspx
  13. Emergency Preparedness - Anchorage - Muni.org, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.muni.org/Departments/health/PHIP/EmergencyPreparedness/pages/default.aspx
  14. Emergency Preparedness | Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.anthc.org/what-we-do/community-environment-and-health/emergency-preparedness/
  15. DHS&EM | Resilience - Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management - State of Alaska, accessed January 11, 2025, https://ready.alaska.gov/Plans/Resilience
  16. The Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami: Better Prepared Today, accessed January 11, 2025, https://blog.response.restoration.noaa.gov/great-alaska-earthquake-and-tsunami-better-prepared-today
  17. Lessons from the 1964 Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami - WASHINGTON STATE GEOLOGY NEWS, accessed January 11, 2025, https://washingtonstategeology.wordpress.com/2018/03/27/lessons-from-the-1964-alaska-earthquake-and-tsunami/
  18. Most of Anchorage safe from tsunami, but new report notes threat from worst-case scenario, accessed January 11, 2025, https://alaskapublic.org/news/2023-08-16/most-of-anchorage-safe-from-tsunami-but-new-report-notes-threat-from-worst-case-scenario
  19. How Anchorage is Making Emergency Preparedness Inclusive - National League of Cities, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.nlc.org/article/2020/01/10/how-anchorage-is-making-emergency-preparedness-inclusive/
  20. Alaska Disaster Preparedness - UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA - : NIFA Reporting Portal, accessed January 11, 2025, https://portal.nifa.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/1007627-alaska-disaster-preparedness.html
  21. Changes in population evacuation potential for tsunami hazards in Seward, Alaska, since the 1964 Good Friday earthquake | Request PDF - ResearchGate, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259802445_Changes_in_population_evacuation_potential_for_tsunami_hazards_in_Seward_Alaska_since_the_1964_Good_Friday_earthquake
  22. Emergency Preparedness | Seward, AK, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.cityofseward.us/community/residents/emergency-preparedness
  23. Earthquake & Tsunami - Kenai Peninsula Borough, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.kpb.us/emergency-mgmt/disaster/earthquake-and-tsunami
  24. Alaska EWP | Natural Resources Conservation Service - USDA, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/ewp-emergency-watershed-protection/alaska/alaska-ewp
  25. Emergency management | Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.uaf.edu/safety/emergencey-management.php
  26. '64 Quake & Seward Waterfront | ALASKA.ORG, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.alaska.org/detail/64-quake-seward-waterfront
  27. Tsunami damage at Seward, Alaska | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/tsunami-damage-seward-alaska
  28. UPDATED TSUNAMI INUNDATION MAPS FOR SEWARD AND NORTHERN RESURRECTION BAY, ALASKA, accessed January 11, 2025, https://dggs.alaska.gov/webpubs/dggs/ri/text/ri2022_003.pdf
  29. tsunami vulnerability assessment: Topics by Science.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.science.gov/topicpages/t/tsunami+vulnerability+assessment.html
  30. Tsunami Preparedness | Kodiak, AK, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.city.kodiak.ak.us/emergencypreparedness/page/tsunami-preparedness
  31. Emergency Preparedness Guide - Kodiak Island Borough, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.kodiakak.us/DocumentCenter/View/8843/01-Kodiak-Area-Emergency-Preparedness-Guide-Engl?bidId=
  32. Emergency Preparedness | Kodiak, AK, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.city.kodiak.ak.us/emergencypreparedness
  33. Emergency Planning | Kodiak Island, AK - Official Website, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.kodiakak.us/738/Emergency-Planning
  34. Waves of Change: Kodiak Stories of the 1964 Earthquake and Tsunami, accessed January 11, 2025, https://alaskapublic.org/programs/2013-09-18/waves-of-change-kodiak-stories-of-the-1964-earthquake-and-tsunami
  35. Chapter 5: Rebuilding | Kodiak College, accessed January 11, 2025, https://koc.alaska.edu/academic-resources/library/virtual-collections/waves-of-destruction/ch5-rebuilding.cshtml
  36. A Tsunami Forecast Model for Kodiak, Alaska PMEL Tsunami Forecast Series: Vol. 4, accessed January 11, 2025, https://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/forecast_model_reports/final_reports/04_KodiakAK_3343_web.pdf
  37. Tsunamis and Seiches | Seattle.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.seattle.gov/documents/departments/emergency/plansoem/shiva/2014-04-23_tsunamiandseiches.pdf
  38. Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Awareness | Seattle Emergency Hubs | Seattle, WA, accessed January 11, 2025, https://seattleemergencyhubs.org/
  39. Emergency Management - Seattle.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.seattle.gov/emergency-management
  40. Prepare yourself - Emergency Management | seattle.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://seattle.gov/emergency-management/prepare/prepare-yourself
  41. Disaster Ready Washington - Washington Military Department, accessed January 11, 2025, https://mil.wa.gov/preparedness
  42. Tsunamis and Seiches - Emergency Management - Seattle.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://seattle.gov/emergency-management/hazards/tsunamis-and-seiches
  43. Tsunamis | WA - DNR, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/geology/geologic-hazards/Tsunamis
  44. seattle - Resilient Cities Network, accessed January 11, 2025, https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/downloadable_resources/Network/Seattle-Resilience-Strategy-English.pdf
  45. How Vulnerable is the City of Long Beach to Tsunamis? - Washington Military Department, accessed January 11, 2025, https://mil.wa.gov/asset/5ba420ab2008a
  46. Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Communications - City of Long Beach, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.longbeach.gov/disasterpreparedness/
  47. Emergency Preparedness - WA - DNR, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/geology/geologic-hazards/emergency-preparedness
  48. Disaster Preparedness - City of Long Beach, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.longbeach.gov/disasterpreparedness/disaster-preparedness/
  49. Preparing for Tsunami Hazards on Washington's Pacific Coast | U.S. Geological Survey, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.usgs.gov/news/preparing-tsunami-hazards-washingtons-pacific-coast
  50. Another Successful Year of the Tsunami Roadshow - Washington Sea Grant, accessed January 11, 2025, https://wsg.washington.edu/another-successful-year-of-the-tsunami-roadshow/
  51. TSUNAMI - City of Long Beach, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/disaster-preparedness/media-library/documents/emergency-preparedness-plans/tsunami-v7
  52. Community clusters of tsunami vulnerability in the US Pacific Northwest - PMC, accessed January 11, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4418905/
  53. First tsunami Survival Capsule deploys to Long Beach, Wash. | kgw.com, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/north-coast/first-tsunami-survival-capsule-deploys-to-long-beach-wash/283-388336174
  54. Emergency Preparedness | Seaside, OR, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.cityofseaside.us/emergency-preparedness
  55. The City of Seaside's Tsunami Awareness Program: Outreach assessment - Oregon.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://pubs.oregon.gov/dogami/ofr/O-05-10.pdf
  56. Prepare | Seaside, OR, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.cityofseaside.us/emergency-preparedness-overview/pages/prepare-0
  57. 3. Coastal Communities - Oregon.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.oregon.gov/oem/Documents/03_ORP_Coastal_Communities.pdf
  58. Case Study: Tsunami in Seaside, Oregon - SERC (Carleton), accessed January 11, 2025, https://serc.carleton.edu/eet/tsunamiinseaside3/case_study.html
  59. Tsunami Preparedness | Seaside, OR, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.cityofseaside.us/emergency-preparedness-overview/pages/tsunami-preparedness
  60. CERT Chapters of Lincoln County, Oregon, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/583/CERT-Chapters-of-Lincoln-County-Oregon
  61. Community disaster preparedness - OSU Extension Service - Oregon State University, accessed January 11, 2025, https://extension.oregonstate.edu/community-vitality/disaster-prep
  62. Oregon Department of Emergency Management : Program Overview : Community Preparedness, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.oregon.gov/oem/community-preparedness/pages/program-overview.aspx
  63. Emergency Information - City of Newport, OR, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.newportoregon.gov/emergency/cert.asp
  64. Tsunami Legacy Lives with People of Crescent City - KUCB, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.kucb.org/2005-11-17/tsunami-legacy-lives-with-people-of-crescent-city
  65. How a Deadly Tsunami and Mysterious Boat United Two Cities Oceans Apart | California Coastal Trail - PBS SoCal, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/california-coastal-trail/how-a-deadly-tsunami-and-mysterious-boat-united-two-cities-oceans-apart
  66. (PDF) The Vulnerability of Crescent City, California, to Tsunamis Generated by Earthquakes in the Kuril Islands Region of the Northwestern Pacific - ResearchGate, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250075445_The_Vulnerability_of_Crescent_City_California_to_Tsunamis_Generated_by_Earthquakes_in_the_Kuril_Islands_Region_of_the_Northwestern_Pacific
  67. Tsunami Walking Tour - Official Website for the City of Crescent City California, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.crescentcity.org/tsunamitour/
  68. Earthquake Preparedness | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services - CA.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.caloes.ca.gov/office-of-the-director/operations/planning-preparedness-prevention/seismic-hazards/earthquake-preparedness/
  69. Emergency Preparedness - Official Website for the City of Crescent City California, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.crescentcity.org/EmergencyPreparedness
  70. Disaster Preparedness - CA Department of Rehabilitation, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/disasterpreparedness
  71. Effects of Harbor Modification on Crescent City, California's Tsunami Vulnerability, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225549660_Effects_of_Harbor_Modification_on_Crescent_City_California's_Tsunami_Vulnerability
  72. EARTHQUAKE, FLOOD, TSUNAMI; - Humboldt County, accessed January 11, 2025, https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/55541/8-Earthquake-Flood-Tsunami-Is-Humboldt-County-Ready?bidId=
  73. What Did We Learn? Emergency Personnel Grade Humboldt County's Reaction to Yesterday's Earthquake and Tsunami Threat | Lost Coast Outpost, accessed January 11, 2025, https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2024/dec/6/what-did-we-learn/
  74. A Tsunami Forecast Model for Eureka, California, accessed January 11, 2025, https://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/forecast_reports/draft_reports/NCTR_Eureka_complete.pdf