Tsunami collateral (English)

Know your tsunami risk

Find out about your tsunami risk

Contact to your local NSW SES Unit to get localised tsunami information.

Know your tsunami evacuation areas by reviewing the Evacuation Area Map on the NSW SES website.

Be aware of the signs and consequences of tsunami

Tsunami are a series of powerful waves that impact coastal areas over a period of time, and dangerous tsunami currents can last for many days after the initial impact.

There are many natural signs of a tsunami, for example:

• earthquake
• unusual ocean behaviour: either looking like a fast-rising flood or a wall of water, or the ocean water level dropping dramatically to show the ocean floor
• a roaring sound from the ocean, similar to the sound of a train.

Tsunami have many impacts and consequences, for example:

• waves, tidal surges and damaging ocean currents that are strong and powerful.
• waves that can travel much farther inland than normal and that are more destructive.
• flooding of low-lying coastal areas is possible for over 2 kilometres inland.
• rivers and streams that lead to the ocean can encounter waves that travel up and wrap around headlands and islands. 

Get Prepared

Download the Hazards Near Me app to your mobile devices and create Watch Zones for the areas you live, work and visit.

Prepare tsunami evacuation plans for your home, business and properties that are within tsunami risk areas, and make sure you plan for all people and animals in your care.

Share your emergency plan with family, neighbours and colleagues and review it regularly.

Prepare an emergency kit. Your emergency kit must have: 

• Portable radio with spare batteries
• Torch with spare batteries
• First aid kit (with supplies necessary for your household)
• Candles and waterproof matches
• Important papers including emergency contact numbers
• Copy of all emergency plans
• Waterproof bag for valuables. 

Download resources

Make safe decisions during a tsunami

Know the warnings 

The Bureau of Meteorology will issue a Watch, Marine Warning or a Land Warning based on the tsunami risk. They will issue a Tsunami Watch Cancellation or Tsunami Warning Cancellation when the main threat has passed or a tsunami did not eventuate.

The NSW SES will issue the following warnings dependent on the level of tsunami risk:

• Advice - Stay Informed
  Issued when there is the potential for a Tsunami to occur.
• Emergency Warning - Avoid the Area
  Issued when there is a threat of Tsunami to marine areas and ocean and shorelines may be impacted. This warning instructs members of the public to avoid using marine areas.
• Emergency Warning – Evacuate
  Issued when there is the threat of Tsunami to coastal land areas. This warning instructs members of the public to evacuate from the evacuation area.
• Advice - Monitor Conditions
  This warning is issued when the threat of Tsunami has passed.
• Advice - Reduced Threat Return with Caution
  This warning is issued when it is safe to return to evacuated areas.

Act safely

There may be little time to prepare – you must act immediately.

Follow all advice provided in the tsunami warning:

• For an Emergency Warning - Avoid the Area – get out of the water and move away from coastal areas and waterways that are connected to the ocean.

• For an Emergency Warning – Evacuate – move away at least 1 kilometre inland. If you cannot leave, move to a sturdy building, at least 10 metres above the usual sea level. 

If you are:

• in shallow, coastal waters – return to shore, secure your vessel and move away from the water.
• offshore – go further out to deeper water.

Listen and watch for the natural signs of a tsunami (listed above).

An emergency siren may sound in some locations if there is a tsunami threat.

A text or recorded voice message may be sent to people in the affected area. Once this message has been received, it is then advised that people follow the steps to safety. People should not wait for this message if they have heard it via other sources.

Follow your tsunami evacuation plan

Walk to your safe area; do not drive because roads may be blocked by excessive traffic.

Take your emergency kit with you.

Ensure your neighbours, family and friends are aware of the current warnings.

Listen to your local radio and TV for current updates.

If you are evacuated

The Bureau of Meteorology will issue a Tsunami Watch Cancellation or Tsunami Warning Cancellation when the tsunami threat is over.

The NSW SES will issue an Advice: Return with Caution when it is safe to return to the affected area.

Do not return to affected areas until emergency services announce that it is safe. It may not be safe to return for a long time.

Disaster Recovery Centres and Evacuation Centres may be established after a tsunami.

Organise a safe place to go that is outside the tsunami affected area, for example at a friend or relative’s house. If this is not an option, go to an evacuation centre. 

Stay away from the tsunami affected area and do not go sightseeing.

If you are trapped

Call NSW SES on 132 500 if you require emergency assistance or Triple Zero (000) if you are in a life-threatening situation.

If you are in a safe location and do not require immediate emergency assistance, stay there and wait for assistance.

If you are able

Assist others in need if you can and only if it is safe.

Continue to listen out for information, advice and updates.

Download resources