TSUNAMI SAFETY AND EVACUATION FOR THE WALDPORT AREA
Waldport Tsunami Inundation Map Lincoln County Emergency Services
For up-to-date information, follow this
link:
http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov
Tsunami Facts
What To Do
Stay Safe
Know The Warning Signs
Plan Ahead
TSUNAMI FACTS:
* The earthquakes that cause tsunamis on the Oregon
Coast may occur nearby or in distant areas such as Alaska or Russia.
* A severe earthquake off the Oregon Coast would generate a destructive tsunami impacting our community within minutes. A locally generated tsunami can be far more damaging than one of distant origin.
* Tsunamis generated in distant locations of the Pacific Basin can take four hours or more to reach Oregon.
* In the deepest ocean waters, a tsunami is unrecognizable and can travel more than 500 miles per hour, about the speed of a commercial jet.
* As the tsunami approaches the coastline and shallower water, its speed slows and wave height increases dramatically. The tsunami still moves faster than a person can run once it reaches the shoreline.
* Sometimes, but not always, the tsunami's arrival is preceded by a noticeable withdrawal of the water.
* Configurations of the near-shore ocean bottom and coastline play mean tricks with tsunami waves. They can amplify the waves in one area and weaken them in another. Tsunamis are unpredictable as they come ashore and flood low-lying areas.
* Harbors, bays and river mouths are very sensitive to tsunamis. Unpredictable currents, terrifying waves and water level oscillations that can last for hours play havoc with ships, boats and docks.
* The rapidly increasing sea level caused by the tsunami picks up debris, rocks, logs and other materials that act as projectiles that further damage buildings and cause casualties.
* As the water level rises due to the tsunami, wind waves and ocean swells will continue to ride on top of the tsunami and may add to its destructive force.
* On March 28, 1964, a tsunami hit the Oregon coastline about four hours after it was generated by a severe earthquake in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Four people in Oregon were killed; Waldport, Newport, Depoe Bay, Florence, the Rogue River, the Umpqua River, Seaside and Cannon Beach experienced extensive damage.
In case of a pending tsunami in Waldport, Central Oregon Coast Fire and Rescue members will activate the local warning system.
If you hear a steady or wavering siren sounding for more than 30 seconds, EVACUATE FOR HIGH GROUND IMMEDIATELY -- waiting for official notification could be fatal.
Fire and Rescue District members and law enforcement will respond to known danger locations to warn residents and assist with evacuation, but the demands of the emergency may limit their resources.
The Waldport area evacuation and shelter site is WALDPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 2250 Crestline Drive south of Range Drive and the Golf Course. Crestline Drive can be reached by going up Range Drive, or Cedar Street (between Washington Federal Savings and the Senior Center) or off of Highway 34 by the Lint Slough Bridge (across from Mill Street).
* Strong ground shaking of an earthquake means move to higher ground IMMEDIATELY.
* Once the earth stops shaking, there will be no time to gather personal belongings.
* EVACUATE to high ground above the area of tsunami inundation (100 feet is safest).
* STAY AWAY FROM THE BEACH. If you can see the wave, you are too close to escape.
* Return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.
* A strong earthquake felt in a low-lying coastal area means a tsunami may follow. A strong earthquake is one in which you have to hold onto something to keep from falling.
* A noticeable rise or fall of coastal water sometimes heralds an approaching tsunami. This is nature's warning and should be heeded.
* If low tidal areas are exposed immediately following an earthquake, do not venture into them. Tsunamis may follow, from which there could be no escape. Multiple tsunamis may occur as ocean basins continue to oscillate, so stay away from low-lying areas until they have been officially determined safe.
1. Make evacuation plans ahead of time. Pick an inland location that is elevated and choose more than one evacuation route, in case roads are blocked by the disaster.
2. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.
3. Teach children how and when to call 911, police or fire department, and which radio station to listen to for official information.
4. Have disaster supplies on hand:
* Flashlight and
extra batteries
* Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
*
First-aid kit and manual
* Emergency food
and water
* Non-electric can
opener
* Essential
medicines
* Cash and credit
cards
* Sturdy shoes
5. Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated, have a plan for getting back together again. Ask an out-of-sate relative or friend to serve as the family contact: After a disaster, often it's easier to call long distance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue, (541)563-3121, or Lincoln County Emergency Services, (541)265-4199.
Information derived from Central Oregon Coast Fire and Rescue District's brochure, "Tsunami Safety & Evacuation for the Waldport Area"