Prepare for a Tsunami

A tsunami can strike at any time, and you may have little time to respond. To prepare for a tsunami, plan with your household.

When to prepare

In a tsunami there could be little to no warning to evacuate, and you will need to stay away from home until an All Clear alert is issued by DFES informing you that it is safe to return. This could be several hours or days depending on the severity of the tsunami and the damage that was done, so it is important that you have a plan in place and ensure everyone in your household knows what to do.

Tsunami alerts and warnings

DFES works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia who jointly operate the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC), one of the world’s most advanced tsunami warning services. JATWC provides 24/7 tsunami monitoring, detection and warning services.

The Bureau issues tsunami alerts to DFES and the public when there is a tsunami threat.

Once DFES receives an alert from the Bureau, warnings are displayed on the Emergency WA website.

Do not go to the coast to watch the tsunami as there is the possibility of dangerous, localised flooding.
Decide now where you and your family will go if there is a tsunami.
Tell friends and family where you will go.
If you are at home, grab your emergency kit and medications, mobile phone and other essential supplies. Only pack what you can carry.
Make sure everyone is wearing sturdy shoes and clothing.
Make sure your neighbours have received this warning.

If you are at sea:

If your boat is in shallow water return to shore, secure your vessel and move away from the coast.
If you are out at sea, go to deeper water, at least 25 metres water depth and stay there until the all clear is given.

If you are in a coastal area:

Get out of the water and move at least 10 meters above sea level or at least one kilometre inland.
If you are unable to move away from the water, seek shelter on the upper level of a sturdy building.

If you are at sea:

If your boat is in shallow water return to shore, secure your vessel and move away from the harbour or marina.
If you are out at sea, go to deeper water, at least 25 metres water depth and stay there until the all clear is given.

If you are at home in a low-lying area:

Leave now for a safe place at least 10 metres above sea level or one kilometre away from water.
Take your emergency kit, including important papers, medication, keys, mobile phone and money with you. Only take what you can carry.
Walk to safety if possible. Avoid driving if you can.
Make sure everyone is wearing sturdy shoes.
If you cannot leave, take shelter on the upper level of a brick or concrete multi-storey building.
If you are away from home, do not try to return. If you are at home, turn off electricity, gas and water and unplug all electrical appliances.

If you are in a coastal area:

Get out of the water and move at least 10 metres above sea level or at least one kilometre inland.
If you are unable to move away from the water, seek shelter on the upper level of a sturdy building.

If you are at sea:

If your boat is in shallow water return to shore, secure your vessel and move away from the harbour or marina.
If you are out at sea, go to deeper water, at least 25 metres water depth and stay there until the all clear is given.

Emergency services personnel are clearing debris and working to make the area safe.
Never drive into floodwaters of unknown depth or current.
Do not walk, swim or play in floodwaters as they are dangerous.
It may not be safe to return home. DFES will advise when it is safe to do so.

Prepare your tsunami plan

In the event of a tsunami, seconds matter. You will have a better chance of surviving if you have a plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do and write it down.

Prepare an emergency kit

Having an up-to-date emergency kit can better prepare your household for all hazards. Everyone in your household should know where the emergency kit is and be able to reach it.

Prepare your pets and livestock

When preparing your family and property for natural disasters, you also need to consider your pets and livestock.

Ensure that your pets are properly identified with a name tag or microchip or that you have a recent photo of them with you, and that stock registers for your livestock are current.

Find out more about pet and livestock welfare in an emergency by visiting the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.

You can also ask your local government if there are pet or livestock welfare arrangements in place during an emergency.