How to Prepare for Long Beach Tsunami Alerts

The coastal communities of Long Beach, California, are among the most vibrant and densely populated regions along the Pacific coastline. With miles of beaches, bustling boardwalks, and critical infrastructure near sea level, Long Beach faces a unique and often underestimated risk: tsunamis. While major tsunamis are rare, the consequences of being unprepared can be catastrophic. Understanding how to prepare for Long Beach tsunami alerts is not just a recommendation—it is a vital component of personal and community safety. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help residents, visitors, and local businesses respond effectively when a tsunami warning is issued. From recognizing early signs to building an emergency kit and practicing evacuation routes, this tutorial equips you with actionable knowledge grounded in scientific research, historical precedent, and emergency management best practices.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand the Tsunami Risk in Long Beach

Long Beach sits along the Pacific coast, where tectonic activity along the Cascadia Subduction Zone and other offshore faults can generate tsunamis. While local earthquakes are more common, the most dangerous tsunamis originate from distant sources—such as Alaska, Chile, or Japan—and take hours to reach the coast. However, tsunamis triggered by nearby undersea landslides or earthquakes off the California coast can arrive in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. The City of Long Beach has identified several low-lying areas as high-risk zones, including the Shoreline Village district, the Belmont Shore neighborhood, and parts of the Long Beach Harbor. Knowing whether your home, workplace, or frequently visited locations fall within these zones is the first critical step.

Visit the official Long Beach Emergency Management website and review the tsunami inundation maps. These maps show which streets and buildings are likely to be flooded under different tsunami scenarios. If you live or work within the red or orange zones, your preparedness timeline must be accelerated. Even if you’re outside the highest-risk area, tsunamis can cause strong currents, flooding, and debris flow that extend far inland.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Timely notification is the cornerstone of effective tsunami response. Relying solely on television or radio is insufficient—many people are asleep, in transit, or in areas with poor reception when alerts occur. Sign up for multiple alert systems to ensure redundancy.

Start with Alert LA County, the official emergency notification system for Los Angeles County, which includes Long Beach. You can register your phone number, email, and text preferences at alert.lacounty.gov. This system sends alerts for tsunamis, earthquakes, wildfires, and other hazards.

Additionally, enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) on your smartphone. These are mandatory, government-issued alerts that override “Do Not Disturb” settings and are delivered via cell towers. Make sure your device’s emergency alert settings are turned on and set to receive “Extreme Threats” and “Imminent Threats.”

Consider downloading the NOAA Weather Radio app or installing a dedicated NOAA weather radio. These devices receive direct broadcasts from the National Weather Service and can sound an alarm even during power outages. Some models include hand-crank charging and USB ports to recharge your phone.

Identify and Practice Evacuation Routes

When a tsunami warning is issued, you typically have between 20 minutes and two hours to reach safety, depending on the origin of the wave. Your goal is to get to high ground—ideally 100 feet above sea level or at least one mile inland—as quickly as possible.

Map out at least two evacuation routes from your home, workplace, and favorite public locations. Avoid roads that run parallel to the coast, such as Ocean Boulevard or Shoreline Drive, which may become congested or flooded. Instead, use major north-south arteries like Atlantic Avenue, Carson Street, or Lakewood Boulevard, which lead uphill toward the Baldwin Hills or the Los Angeles County line.

Practice walking or driving these routes during non-emergency times. Note landmarks, street signs, and potential obstacles—such as bridges that may be vulnerable to damage or traffic lights that may fail during a disaster. If you have children, elderly relatives, or pets, factor in their mobility needs. Plan for alternative routes if primary roads are blocked.

Long Beach has designated tsunami evacuation zones marked with blue signs featuring a wave symbol. Familiarize yourself with these signs and know the nearest designated safe zones. Popular high-ground locations include the Long Beach Convention Center, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and the hills surrounding the Los Cerritos Wetlands.

Build a Comprehensive Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is not optional—it is your lifeline during the first 72 hours after a tsunami, when services may be disrupted for days. Your kit should be portable, easily accessible, and tailored to your household’s needs.

Include the following essentials:

• Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days (minimum 3 gallons per person). Store in food-grade containers and replace every six months.
• Food: Non-perishable, high-calorie items such as energy bars, canned beans, dried fruit, peanut butter, and ready-to-eat meals. Include a manual can opener.
• First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, prescription medications, and any personal medical supplies (e.g., insulin, inhalers, EpiPens).
• Flashlight and Batteries: LED flashlights are preferred for energy efficiency. Keep extra batteries in a waterproof container.
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife: Useful for cutting debris, opening containers, or minor repairs.
• Whistle: To signal for help if trapped.
• Emergency Blanket: Reflective thermal blankets retain body heat and are lightweight.
• Important Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and property deeds in a waterproof bag.
• Cash: ATMs and credit card systems may be offline. Keep small bills and coins.
• Hygiene Items: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, feminine supplies, and garbage bags.
• Children and Pet Supplies: Formula, diapers, baby food, pet food, leashes, carriers, and medications.

Store your kit in a durable, waterproof container near your exit door. If you have a vehicle, keep a secondary kit in the trunk. Check and update contents every six months—replace expired food, water, and batteries.

Prepare Your Home and Property

While you cannot prevent a tsunami, you can reduce damage to your property and increase your chances of survival.

Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to wall studs using straps or brackets to prevent them from toppling during shaking that often precedes a tsunami. Install automatic gas shutoff valves to reduce fire risk. If you live in a flood-prone zone, elevate critical utilities like electrical panels, furnaces, and water heaters above the anticipated flood level.

Consider installing flood vents in foundation walls if your home is elevated. These allow water to flow through without exerting pressure that could collapse walls. Waterproofing basements and sealing cracks in walls and floors can also reduce water intrusion.

Keep your yard clear of loose items—patio furniture, grills, and garden tools can become dangerous projectiles in floodwaters. Trim trees near your home to reduce falling branch hazards.

If you have a garage, do not store flammable materials, chemicals, or vehicles inside if you are in a high-risk zone. Floodwaters can carry gasoline and other toxins into homes, creating serious health risks.

Develop a Family Communication Plan

During a disaster, cell networks may become overloaded or damaged. Relying on texting or calling may not work. Establish a clear communication plan before an emergency occurs.

Designate an out-of-town contact person—someone not in the Long Beach area—who can serve as a central hub for family members to check in. Everyone should know this person’s phone number and email address. Text messages often get through when calls do not.

Agree on meeting points: one near your home (if safe) and one outside your neighborhood. For example, “If we can’t reach each other, meet at CSULB’s Student Union.” Make sure children know how to get there on foot if necessary.

Teach family members how to use social media for safety checks. Platforms like Facebook’s “Safety Check” and Twitter’s emergency hashtags can help confirm status without overloading phone lines.

Prepare for Special Needs

Individuals with disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or mobility limitations require tailored preparedness strategies.

If you use a wheelchair, ensure your evacuation route is accessible. Identify friends, neighbors, or community organizations that can assist with transportation. Keep a portable ramp and spare batteries for mobility devices in your emergency kit.

Those on oxygen, dialysis, or other life-sustaining equipment must have backup power sources. Battery-powered or manual alternatives should be on hand, along with extra supplies. Register with local disability emergency registries if available—these help responders prioritize assistance during large-scale events.

For seniors or individuals with cognitive impairments, place emergency contact cards in wallets or clothing. Include name, medical conditions, medications, and emergency contacts. Consider wearable medical alert devices with GPS tracking.

Know What to Do During and After the Tsunami

When a tsunami warning is issued, act immediately. Do not wait for official evacuation orders. If you feel strong ground shaking near the coast, move to high ground on foot without delay—it could be the natural warning sign of a local tsunami.

Stay away from beaches, piers, harbors, and river mouths. Even if the water recedes dramatically—a sign of an approaching wave—do not go to investigate. This is a deadly natural phenomenon known as “drawback,” and the next wave can be massive.

Once you reach safety, stay there. Tsunamis are not single waves but a series of surges that can continue for hours. The first wave is rarely the largest. Wait for an official “all clear” from emergency authorities before returning to low-lying areas.

After the event, avoid flooded areas. Water may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or debris. Do not use tap water until officials declare it safe. Be alert for aftershocks, fires, and structural damage to buildings. Use flashlights instead of matches or lighters in case of gas leaks.

Best Practices

Prepare Year-Round, Not Just During Tsunami Season

Unlike hurricanes or wildfires, tsunamis do not follow a predictable seasonal pattern. They can strike at any time, day or night. Treating tsunami preparedness as a seasonal task is dangerous. Build habits that make readiness automatic: check your emergency kit every spring and fall, review evacuation routes during family outings, and discuss emergency plans during holidays.

Involve Your Community

Individual preparedness is vital, but community resilience multiplies survival odds. Join or support local Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams (NERT). These volunteer groups receive training in basic search and rescue, first aid, and damage assessment. They become critical assets when professional responders are overwhelmed.

Organize block meetings to share resources—tools, generators, water storage, or vehicles. Create a directory of neighbors with special skills: medical training, mechanical knowledge, or language interpretation. In a disaster, your neighbor may be your first responder.

Teach Children and Youth

Children are often the most vulnerable in disasters. Schools in Long Beach participate in tsunami drills, but parents must reinforce this learning at home. Use age-appropriate books, videos, and games to explain tsunamis without causing fear. Practice evacuation drills as a fun game: “Who can get to the safe zone fastest?”

Encourage older children to learn CPR and basic first aid. Many local organizations, including the American Red Cross, offer free youth programs. When kids understand what to do, they become powerful advocates for safety within their families.

Stay Informed Through Reliable Sources

Not all online information is accurate. Rely only on official sources: the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC), the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and the City of Long Beach Emergency Management. Avoid social media rumors or unverified videos claiming “a tsunami is coming.”

Follow verified government accounts on social media: @LongBeachEM, @CalOES, @NOAA_Tsunami. These accounts post real-time updates, maps, and instructions during emergencies.

Plan for Pets and Animals

Pets are family. Include them in your emergency plan. Never leave them behind. Keep leashes, carriers, and food in your emergency kit. Bring recent photos of your pets in case they become separated. Some shelters accept pets; others have partnerships with local animal rescue groups. Know which ones in advance.

If you have livestock or large animals, identify safe areas where they can be moved to higher ground. Work with local agricultural extension offices for guidance on animal evacuation protocols.

Maintain Mental and Emotional Readiness

Disasters cause psychological trauma. Preparing mentally is as important as preparing physically. Practice mindfulness, stress-reduction techniques, and emotional grounding exercises. Talk openly with family members about fears and concerns. Normalize the conversation around emergencies so that when one occurs, panic is minimized.

Consider keeping a journal to record your preparedness journey. Documenting your steps—buying your first emergency kit, attending a drill, learning your evacuation route—builds confidence and reinforces commitment.

Tools and Resources

Official Government Tools

• Alert LA County – alert.lacounty.gov – Register for text, email, and voice alerts.
• Long Beach Emergency Management – longbeach.gov/emergency – Access maps, checklists, and preparedness guides.
• NOAA Tsunami Warning Center – tsunami.gov – Real-time alerts, historical data, and educational resources.
• California Earthquake Clearinghouse – earthquake.ca.gov – Includes tsunami risk assessments and preparedness toolkits.
• MyShake App – A free earthquake early warning app developed by UC Berkeley. It also provides tsunami-related alerts when linked to NOAA data.

Mobile Applications

• NOAA Weather Radio – Delivers live alerts and forecasts directly from the National Weather Service.
• FEMA App – Offers safety tips, shelter locations, and disaster recovery resources.
• Red Cross Emergency App – Includes customizable alerts, first aid instructions, and a “SOS” feature to notify contacts of your location.
• Google Crisis Response – During disasters, Google maps show evacuation routes, open shelters, and road closures.

Community and Educational Resources

• Long Beach Public Library – Offers free workshops on disaster preparedness and emergency planning.
• CSULB Emergency Management Program – Hosts public seminars and simulation drills open to residents.
• American Red Cross – Los Angeles Region – Provides free CPR, first aid, and disaster preparedness courses.
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training – A free 8-week course teaching basic response skills. Sign up through Long Beach Fire Department.

Physical Tools to Own

• Hand-crank or solar-powered radio with NOAA weather band
• Water purification tablets or portable filter (e.g., LifeStraw)
• Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh capacity)
• Emergency whistle and signal mirror
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (for temporary shelter repairs)
• Local topographic map with elevation lines (printed copy)

Real Examples

The 1960 Chilean Tsunami: A Wake-Up Call for Long Beach

On May 23, 1960, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded—magnitude 9.5—struck Chile. The resulting tsunami crossed the Pacific Ocean and reached Long Beach 15 hours later. While no lives were lost in Long Beach, the event caused $12 million in damage (equivalent to over $120 million today). Boats were tossed onto shorelines, piers were destroyed, and seawater flooded downtown streets.

This event led to the creation of California’s first tsunami warning system and prompted the city to begin mapping vulnerable coastal zones. It remains a foundational case study in Long Beach’s emergency planning curriculum.

The 2011 Japan Tsunami: Global Impact, Local Lessons

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off Japan triggered a tsunami that devastated coastal towns and killed over 15,000 people. The wave reached Long Beach approximately 10 hours later. While the impact was relatively minor—mainly strong currents and floating debris—it caused significant damage to the Long Beach Marina, sinking or damaging over 200 boats.

Local officials used this event to improve coordination with federal agencies, upgrade communication systems, and conduct the first city-wide tsunami evacuation drill involving over 10,000 participants. Schools, businesses, and transit agencies participated for the first time.

Local Success Story: The Belmont Shore Neighborhood Drill

In 2020, residents of Belmont Shore organized a grassroots tsunami preparedness event. Over 300 households participated in a simulated evacuation, using designated routes and meeting at CSULB’s parking structure. Local businesses donated water, snacks, and first aid supplies. The event was so successful that the city adopted it as an annual tradition.

One resident, 72-year-old Maria Lopez, credited the drill with saving her life during a minor coastal flooding event in 2022. When she noticed unusual water receding from the shore, she immediately recalled the drill and walked to high ground with her dog. Emergency responders later confirmed a small tsunami wave had been triggered by a distant undersea landslide.

What Not to Do: The 2018 False Alarm Incident

In 2018, a technical error triggered a false tsunami alert across the West Coast. In Long Beach, hundreds of people rushed to higher ground, causing traffic jams and panic. Some residents ignored the alert because they had experienced a false alarm before.

This event highlighted a critical lesson: complacency kills. Even if past alerts were false, treat every warning as real. The cost of ignoring a real tsunami far outweighs the inconvenience of evacuating for a false alarm.

FAQs

How often do tsunamis hit Long Beach?

Tsunamis are rare but not impossible. Historical records show that damaging tsunamis have struck the Southern California coast approximately once every 100–200 years. However, smaller, non-damaging waves occur more frequently. The risk is low in frequency but extremely high in consequence.

Can I rely on sirens to warn me of a tsunami?

No. Long Beach does not have a widespread tsunami siren system. Relying on sirens is dangerous. Always use multiple alert methods: phone alerts, NOAA radio, and official apps.

How high does the water rise during a tsunami in Long Beach?

Depending on the source, tsunami waves in Long Beach could range from 3 to 15 feet in height. In extreme scenarios, such as a massive earthquake off the Cascadia Subduction Zone, waves could exceed 20 feet in low-lying areas. Even a 3-foot wave can sweep away vehicles and people.

Should I evacuate by car or on foot?

If you are within the high-risk zone and have less than 30 minutes, evacuate on foot. Roads will quickly become congested. If you have more time and live farther from the coast, a car may be appropriate—but only if you know your route and can avoid traffic. Always have a backup plan.

What if I’m at the beach when the alert sounds?

Leave immediately. Do not collect belongings. Do not take photos. Move inland and uphill as fast as you can. The safest action is to run to the nearest high ground—even if it means climbing stairs, hills, or parking structures.

Can I return home after the first wave passes?

No. Tsunamis consist of multiple waves that can arrive minutes or hours apart. The largest wave may come hours later. Wait for an official “all clear” from emergency authorities before returning.

Is insurance enough to protect me from a tsunami?

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, including tsunamis. You need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you live in a designated flood zone, this coverage is highly recommended.

What should I do if I’m visiting Long Beach and get caught in a tsunami alert?

Follow the instructions of local authorities. Stay calm. Look for blue tsunami evacuation signs. Head to the nearest high ground. Ask hotel staff or local businesses for guidance. Do not assume someone else will help—you must act for your own safety.

Are schools and public buildings prepared for tsunamis?

Most public schools and government buildings in Long Beach have evacuation plans and conduct regular drills. However, parents and visitors should still verify the plan for their specific location. Always ask: “Where is the nearest safe zone?”

Can animals sense a tsunami before humans?

Yes. Animals often behave erratically before natural disasters—running away, refusing to go outside, or becoming unusually agitated. If you notice unusual animal behavior near the coast, take it seriously. It may be nature’s early warning.

Conclusion

Preparing for a Long Beach tsunami is not about fear—it’s about empowerment. It’s about knowing your risks, having a plan, and taking action before disaster strikes. The Pacific coastline is beautiful, dynamic, and full of life. But it is also powerful and unpredictable. By following the steps outlined in this guide—signing up for alerts, mapping evacuation routes, building an emergency kit, and practicing with your family—you transform from a passive resident into a resilient community member.

Tsunamis are rare, but their impact is profound. The difference between survival and tragedy often comes down to minutes—and preparation. Don’t wait for the next warning to start thinking about safety. Start today. Talk to your neighbors. Practice your route. Update your kit. Share this guide. In the face of nature’s might, knowledge and readiness are your greatest defenses.