TSUNAMI ALERTS

Information Statements are issued by the Tsunami Warning Centers when a strong earthquake has occurred but is unlikely to generate a tsunami in this area.  A tsunami near the point of origin may be possible, but it is not likely to propagate beyond the immediate surroundings.
Tsunami Watches are issued when an earthquake has occurred that is strong enough to have produced a tsunami, but there is no confirmation.  The Tsunami Warning Center will investigate, and issue an ADVISORY or WARNING if observations show a tsunami has been generated that will impact this area.
Tsunami Advisories mean a tsunami has been generated but the impact locally should not extend beyond the high water line (shoreline).  Inundation beyond the beach is not expected.  Hazardous currents can occur, and the recommended action is to stay off docks and piers and away from the beach.
Tsunami Warning means inundation beyond the shoreline is very possible (the distance inshore depends on the size of the approaching wave energy).  It is not usually known in advance how far inland the inundation will go, but the best safety margin is inland and uphill to a location more than 50 feet above sea level.  Remember, the first wave may not be the highest, and damaging wave action can continue for several hours.     

The recommended method for receiving tsunami alerts is having a  NOAA Alert Receiver (also known as a NOAA Weather Radio).  They can be programmed to receive only information pertaining to Jefferson County, and are silent until an alert has been issued (except for a test tone and message sent each Wednesday at noon).  For more information on NOAA Alert Receivers go to http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm.  You can also subscribe to an alert to your email and/or smartphone at www.emergencyemail.org. 

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