Coastal Hazard

Q: What are the warning signs of a tsunami?

Tsunamis give warning signs if you know what to look for: Strong earthquake felt near the coast: If shaking lasts more than 20 seconds, move to high ground immediately Ocean water suddenly recedes dramatically (exposed sea floor) — this is NOT a time to explore Unusual ocean roaring sound Official tsunami warning on phone, radio, or sirens What to do: Go to high ground (100+ feet) or at least 2 miles inland — IMMEDIATELY Go on foot if possible — roads may be blocked Never go to the beach to watch a tsunami — you cannot outrun it Stay away until authorities issue an all-clear — expect multiple waves for hours, and later waves are often larger

Q: Is it safe to go to the beach during a coastal advisory?

No. Coastal advisories exist because conditions are genuinely dangerous: High Surf Advisory: Waves 2-3× normal. Strong rip currents. Stay out of the water. High Surf Warning: Exceptionally large waves. Life-threatening conditions. Stay off the beach entirely — waves can reach well above the normal tide line. Rip Current Statement: Dangerous rip currents present. Even strong swimmers drown in rip currents. Coastal Flood Advisory/Warning: Beach and coastal roads may be underwater. People underestimate ocean power. A single wave can knock you off rocks, jetties, or seawalls. "Sneaker waves" surge far up the beach with no warning. Respect the advisory — it exists because people have died in these conditions.

Rip currents account for over 80% of ocean rescues by lifeguards

8 things to do before · 8 steps during · 8 after · 5 questions answered

Last updated 2026-09-25. Written by Project Trinetra, a program of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Unravel The Love. It is not an official government publication and does not replace instructions from your local emergency authorities.

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Before — Coastal Safety Preparation

Coastal hazards include rip currents, storm surge, high surf, and tsunamis.

#	Do this
1	Know if you live in a storm surge or tsunami evacuation zone
2	Know your evacuation route to higher ground
3	Learn to identify rip currents — look for channels of churning water
4	Know warning systems: sirens mean tsunami — go to high ground
5	Review flood insurance — standard homeowners does NOT cover flooding
6	Keep sandbags ready during storm season
7	Secure boats and watercraft with proper mooring
8	Prepare go-bag with 3 days of supplies for quick evacuation

During — During a Coastal Hazard Event

Whether rip current, high surf, or storm surge — respect the ocean's power.

#	Step
1	STORM SURGE: Evacuate immediately if ordered. Do not wait.
2	TSUNAMI: Move to high ground immediately when you feel shaking or hear sirens
3	RIP CURRENT: Swim parallel to shore, then back to beach at an angle. Do NOT fight it.
4	HIGH SURF: Stay out of the water and well back from the shoreline
5	Never turn your back on the ocean — sneaker waves can strike without warning
6	Do not attempt to drive through flooded coastal roads
7	Stay away from seawalls, jetties, and piers during high surf
8	Listen to Coast Guard and lifeguard instructions

After — After a Coastal Event

Coastal hazard aftermath can include structural damage, debris, and contamination.

#	Step
1	Do not return to coastal areas until authorities give all-clear
2	After tsunami: expect multiple waves for hours. Stay on high ground.
3	Avoid floodwater — it may contain sewage, chemicals, and sharp debris
4	Check structures for damage before entering — weakened by water
5	Document all property damage with photos and video
6	Boil water until authorities confirm supply is safe
7	Report coastal erosion or structural damage to local authorities
8	Watch for displaced marine life on beaches

Supplies specific to this hazard

Life jackets for each family member
Waterproof go-bag with essential documents
Emergency water purification tablets
Sandbags and plastic sheeting
Charged phone with emergency contacts

Questions people ask

How do I escape a rip current?

Rip currents kill more people at beaches than sharks, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. If caught:

Don't fight it — don't try to swim directly back to shore. You'll exhaust yourself.
Swim PARALLEL to shore — rip currents are narrow (20-100 ft wide). Swim sideways until you're out of the pull.
Then swim diagonally toward shore, riding incoming waves
If you can't escape, float. Rip currents don't pull you under — they pull you out. Conserve energy and signal for help.

Spot rip currents before entering the water: Look for a gap in breaking waves, a channel of choppy water, or a line of foam/debris heading seaward. If in doubt, ask a lifeguard.

Full Coastal Hazard guide — before, during and after →

What are the warning signs of a tsunami?

Tsunamis give warning signs if you know what to look for:

Strong earthquake felt near the coast: If shaking lasts more than 20 seconds, move to high ground immediately
Ocean water suddenly recedes dramatically (exposed sea floor) — this is NOT a time to explore
Unusual ocean roaring sound
Official tsunami warning on phone, radio, or sirens

What to do:

Go to high ground (100+ feet) or at least 2 miles inland — IMMEDIATELY
Go on foot if possible — roads may be blocked
Never go to the beach to watch a tsunami — you cannot outrun it
Stay away until authorities issue an all-clear — expect multiple waves for hours, and later waves are often larger

Full Coastal Hazard guide — before, during and after →

How do I prepare for storm surge flooding?

Storm surge is the deadliest part of a hurricane or coastal storm:

Know your evacuation zone — check with your county emergency management. If you're in Zone A, you'll likely need to evacuate for any hurricane.
Don't confuse storm surge with rain flooding — surge is a wall of ocean water pushed ashore by wind. It can rise 10-20+ feet in minutes.
Evacuate when told — no amount of sandbagging stops storm surge
Never shelter in a single-story home in a surge zone

Storm surge preparations:

Move important items to upper floors
Know your route to higher ground (at least 20 feet elevation)
Have your go-bag packed and ready — surge zones may evacuate with little notice

Coastal Hazard preparation checklist →

Is it safe to go to the beach during a coastal advisory?

No. Coastal advisories exist because conditions are genuinely dangerous:

High Surf Advisory: Waves 2-3× normal. Strong rip currents. Stay out of the water.
High Surf Warning: Exceptionally large waves. Life-threatening conditions. Stay off the beach entirely — waves can reach well above the normal tide line.
Rip Current Statement: Dangerous rip currents present. Even strong swimmers drown in rip currents.
Coastal Flood Advisory/Warning: Beach and coastal roads may be underwater.

People underestimate ocean power. A single wave can knock you off rocks, jetties, or seawalls. "Sneaker waves" surge far up the beach with no warning. Respect the advisory — it exists because people have died in these conditions.

Full Coastal Hazard guide — before, during and after →

How high can storm surge get during a hurricane?

Storm surge heights depend on the hurricane and coastline shape:

Category 1 (74-95 mph): 4-5 feet surge
Category 2 (96-110 mph): 6-8 feet
Category 3 (111-129 mph): 9-12 feet
Category 4 (130-156 mph): 13-18 feet
Category 5 (157+ mph): 18-25+ feet

But the shape of the coastline matters enormously. Shallow, gently sloping coasts amplify surge. Hurricane Katrina pushed 28-foot surge into Mississippi. Hurricane Ian pushed 15+ feet into Fort Myers.

If you're in a surge zone and a hurricane is coming, evacuate. Surge is a wall of water — you cannot survive it by staying home.

Full Coastal Hazard guide — before, during and after →

Quick facts

If caught in a rip current, swim PARALLEL to shore — never fight the current directly.
If the ocean suddenly recedes and exposes the sea floor, move to high ground immediately — tsunami warning.
Storm surge is the deadliest part of a hurricane — a wall of ocean water that can rise 20+ feet.
Sneaker waves can surge far up the beach with no warning — never turn your back on the ocean.
Rip currents kill more beachgoers than sharks, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined.

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