What is a Tsunami?
Tsunami is a Harbor wave - If there is an undersea earthquake out in the Pacific Ocean,
it may cause a displacement of water, which then again can cause huge waves (tsunamis) coming on shore causing massive damage
to everything and everyone it is path.
Tsunamis hit the Oregon coast on a regular basis and although most of them are not devastating, you should be prepared
and know what to do in case of a Tsunami warning since most of Pacific City is in the Tsunami evacuation zone
according to The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.
If the earthquake is far away, you may be warned by sirens or news, but if it is so close that you can feel the quake...
the Tsunami may follow before the official warnings. Thus, assume a Tsunami will occur if you feel an earthquake.
How to Prepare a Tsunami Evacuation Route
Your goal is to get to a higher elevation.
Last time we checked, Pacific City does not exactly have a lot of Tsunami signs all over the place so you may want to
consider planning ahead of a warning or quake. If you are located on the north side of town by Inn at Cape Kiwanda
and Pelican Pub, you would get to higher elevation by going north on Cape Kiwanda Drive. If you are closer to Shorepine
Village and the Community center, you can get to higher elevation by going up Nestucca Ridge Rd which is off Cape Kiwanda Drive.
On the South side of Pacific City (East of Nestucca Bay), you should head towards the Salal and Reddekopp Roads Intersection.
These evacuation routes may not work for you depending on where you are and the landscape may have changed since we did the
research, so we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the area and make your own planned evacuation route.
What to do in case of a Tsunami Warning
If the quake is far away, you may be warned by a three minute siren tone whereupon you should turn on the nearest radio or
television for latest emergency and instructions. If it is so close that you can feel the quake... it may be your only warning.
If you get an evacuation warning or if you feel an earthquake and take that as a warning, act FAST. First,
protect your self from injuries during the quake, then move quickly inland without delay to high ground on foot if possible
on your predetermined route. Do not pack or delay. There may be many waves coming so wait until you get the 'all clear' signal
before your return to shore.
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