TSUNAMI EVACUATION DRILL

 

TSUNAMI EVACUATION DRILL

While a tsunami triggered by a distant earthquake will take hours to reach our coastline, a tsunami generated by an earthquake on the Cascadia subduction zone can hit shore in under 20 minutes. With so little time, people on the coast cannot wait for official warning systems or guidance, but must recognize natural warning signs and evacuate immediately. This independent response is more likely to happen and be effective if coastal populations have learned their evacuation routes and practiced walking out of the hazard zone. A community-wide tsunami evacuation drill raises awareness and, through practice, improves overall preparedness, while also reinforcing the positive sense of community and cooperation that will make the community more resilient. Moreover, regular drills are an effective means of widely developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence that people will need to evacuate quickly and efficiently during a real event.