Know Your Risk
What to do when Tsunami Watches, warnings and bulletins are issued.
Act early on warning advice as there can be very short time frame between earthquakes, tsunami forming and tsunami warnings.
Follow all advice given by emergency services.
When a Tsunami Watch is Issued
The first stage of the process for warning you about a tsunami is a 'tsunami watch' phase. This means that there is the potential for an identified undersea earthquake to cause a tsunami threat to Australia. If there is a threat, the Bureau will issue a National Tsunami Watch. If there is no threat, a National Tsunami No Threat Bulletin will be issued. If there is a possibility of a Land Threat Tsunami emergency services may commence evacuations immediately.
People in affected areas:
- Locate your Emergency Kit and add any medications, important papers, special items for babies, elderly, clothing, food and water
- Locate your Emergency Plan
- Keep listening to your local radio station or other media for any updates and advice
- Follow advice given to you by emergency services
Marine and Immediate Foreshore Warning
Marine and immediate foreshore threat
- Get out of the water and move to high ground away from the immediate foreshore (beach, rocks, estuary etc.)
- Boats near to shore should be returned and securely moored. Move away from the waterfront to higher ground.
- If your vessel is in deep water and offshore, stay there
- Do not go to the coast to watch the tsunami
- Check that neighbours know about the warning
- Keep listening to the radio for information, updates and advice
Marine and Land Inundation Warning
Marine and land inundation warning
- Move away from foreshore areas and the Tsunami Evacuation Area to higher ground, at least 10 metres above sea level or 1 kilometre inland
- When moving to higher ground take only essential items, such as important papers, family photographs and medication
- It may be in your interests to walk to safety if possible to avoid traffic jams
- If you cannot get to higher ground seek shelter in the upper storey of a sturdy brick building at least 10 metres above sea level.
- Boats near to shore should be returned to shore and securely moored. Move away from the waterfront to high ground at least 10 metres above sea level or 1 kilometre inland
- Do not go to low-lying or foreshore areas to watch the tsunami
- Boats outside harbours, rivers and estuaries should move to deeper water. If your vessel is in deep water and offshore, stay there.
- Check that neighbours know about the warning
- Keep listening to the radio for information, updates and advice
