WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) has introduced a resolution to help increase tsunami awareness and preparedness in at-risk coastal communities.

Earlier this month, tsunami waves generated by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in Japan caused significant damage in Crescent City, Fort Bragg, Santa Cruz and other parts of Northern California.

The California Emergency Management Agency has tentatively estimated damages to be in excess of $40 million, Thompson's office said.

“Over 7 million Americans live or vacation in coastal communities that are at-risk of experiencing a tsunami,” said Thompson. “While relatively rare, these natural disasters can literally wipe out entire communities and cause significant loss of life. In the wake of the recent disaster in Japan, it’s important to encourage at-risk communities to plan and prepare for a potential tsunami. We don’t get to pick the next disaster, so it’s important to be informed about the threats and hazards we face.”

Tsunamis are a series of large ocean waves generated by major undersea disturbances, including earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions.

All U.S. ocean coasts can be impacted by tsunamis, although some areas are at much greater risk than others.

Since 1812, California has experienced 14 tsunamis with wave heights higher than 3 feet. Of these, six caused significant destruction, including the devastating 1964 tsunami that killed 11 people in Crescent City.

H. Res 185 includes the following advice for those who see tsunami warning signs:

• Keep calm;

• Immediately move to your local tsunami shelter using defined tsunami evacuation routes;

• Move to higher ground that is at least 100 feet in elevation, a mile inland, or to the highest floor of a sturdy building and stay there if there are no evacuation routes defined;

• Do not move from a safe location;

• Move on foot when possible, do not drive, keep roads clear for emergency vehicles;

• Stay tuned to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or news broadcasts for changes in tsunami alerts; and

• Stay away from the coast and low-lying areas until local officials say it’s safe to return.

The resolution goes on to state that the House of Representatives:

• Supports the goals and ideals of National Tsunami Awareness Week;

• Encourages the staff of NOAA, especially the National Weather Service and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, and other appropriate Federal agencies, to continue their work of educating people in the United States about tsunami preparedness;

• Endorses the efforts of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (http://nthmp.tsunami.gov), a coordinated national effort of federal, state and local entities, to assess tsunami threats, prepare community response, issue timely and effective warnings, and mitigate damage; and

• Urges the people of the United States to recognize such a week as an opportunity to learn more about the work of NOAA in warning for and mitigating the impact of tsunamis and educating citizens about the potential risks of these natural disasters.”

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