Residents across Humboldt, Del Norte and Mendocino counties will participate in the annual North Coast Tsunami Drill on Wednesday, March 26, at 11 a.m. This exercise, led locally by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses and organizations to practice earthquake and tsunami preparedness.

On March 26, if you are in a tsunami zone, practice your evacuation plan by walking to higher ground or outside the hazard area. If you are not in a tsunami zone, stay where you are, evacuation is not necessary. Instead, use this time to consider how you would respond after an earthquake resulting in major damages.

Keep in mind that dangerous tsunami waves can continue for 24 to 48 hours after the first wave. In a real event, do not return to the tsunami hazard area until officials confirm it is safe.

Humboldt Alert Test

As part of the drill, Humboldt County OES will issue a countywide test notification through Humboldt Alert, the county’s opt-in public alert and warning system. Residents are encouraged to check their Humboldt Alert accounts and update their contact preferences at humboldtgov.org/alert.

Know Your Zone

Preparedness is key to ensuring community safety during a tsunami. Humboldt County residents are encouraged to “Know Your Zone” by checking tsunami hazard maps available at the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group’s website at rctwg.humboldt.edu/tsunami-hazard-maps to determine if their homes, workplaces or frequently visited areas are in a tsunami evacuation zone.

“We encourage everyone to take part in this drill to test their response plans and ensure they know the safest actions to take in the event of an earthquake or tsunami,” said Ryan Derby, Emergency Services Program Manager for Humboldt County OES. “Planning and practicing ahead of time can make a significant difference when real emergencies occur.”

Participants can register their participation in the tsunami drill by filling out a brief form on the North Coast Tsunami Drill’s registration website.

Emergency preparedness saves lives. Let’s be tsunami ready by planning, practicing and staying informed.

Be Prepared

It is important for individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses and governments to work together to reduce and prepare for the devastating impacts of disasters. Starting a conversation with your loved ones today can help you to take more actions to prepare. For emergency preparedness tips and resources, please visit humboldtgov.org/prepare.

Sign Up for Humboldt Alert

Humboldt County residents are encouraged to sign up for Humboldt Alert to receive local emergency notifications, including information regarding evacuations and emergency sheltering in the event of a disaster. Residents can sign up by going to humboldtgov.org/alert.

For more information on Humboldt County OES, please visit humboldtgov.org/OES, follow @HumCoOES on Facebook and X or call 707-268-2500.