Tsunami Preparedness
Learn what to do before, during, and after a tsunami to keep your loved ones safe. If you live or work in Berkeley’s tsunami zone—generally west of 7th Street—sign up for the City’s emergency alerts to stay informed.
Get real-time tsunami evacuation alerts with the City’s tools:
- Berkeley Emergency Map: See current evacuation orders on the emergency map and download the Genasys Protect app to get real-time alerts on your phone
- AC Alert (Alameda County Alert): View recent messages and sign up to receive detailed alerts via phone and email
Learn more about official alerting tools on our Emergency Notifications page.
Stay safe during a tsunami
Tsunamis are usually caused by underwater earthquakes and can impact Berkeley. Stay safe by learning about the area in Berkeley most likely to be affected by a tsunami, and tsunami alert types and warning signs.
Know Berkeley’s Tsunami Zone
Berkeley’s tsunami zone goes up to 7th Street from the waterfront. During an event, staying east of 7th Street keeps you safe from all tsunamis, even the largest ones. Review the Office of Emergency's Hazards StoryMaps website to learn more about tsunami risk and other local hazards.
This evacuation zone map shows the Berkeley tsunami zone in blue with the evacuation zones outlined in black.
Know Tsunami Alert Types
If a tsunami is coming from far away (like Alaska or Japan), officials will send alerts. Here’s what they mean:
- Tsunami Warning: A large tsunami is on the way. Go inland, past 7th Street, right away.
- Tsunami Advisory: A tsunami is on the way. Stay out of the water, off boats, and away from the shoreline.
- Tsunami Watch: Watch for alerts and be ready to act quickly.
Evacuation instructions may change as scientists track the tsunami. Officials will send updates as quickly as possible.
If you're already outside the tsunami zone, stay off the roads so emergency crews and evacuees can get through.
Know the Warning Signs for Local Tsunamis
An underwater earthquake in the Bay Area can cause a tsunami. If that happens, there may not be time for alerts. If you’re in Berkeley’s tsunami zone and notice any of these signs:
- Strong shaking that lasts 20 seconds or more
- A loud roar from the ocean
- Water suddenly pulling away from the shore
Go inland and to higher ground right away. If the ground is shaking too hard to move, first drop, cover, and hold on, then evacuate as soon as it is safe.
Make a Tsunami Evacuation Plan
Leave as quickly as possible
The faster that you leave, the quicker you will be safety. Having your plan will make leaving quickly easier.
Plan where you will go
- Pick a few safe places you could go during an emergency, including places outside of Berkeley. Make sure to review tsunamizone.org to choose a location outside of the tsunami zone. Consider:
- A friend’s or family member’s home
- A hotel (Visit Berkeley can help you find one)
- If there is a tsunami, emergency shelters will be opened in safe areas. They may be outside of Berkeley.
Visit TsunamiZone.org for planning resources for individuals, schools, and organizations.
Plan your route
Plan at least two ways out of your neighborhood but be flexible. In an evacuation, you may need to use any road that’s open.
- Don’t drive? Ask a neighbor now if they can help.
- Walking and cycling can be good options to get west of 7th Street and out of Berkeley’s tsunami zone. This might be faster than driving.
Review the Berkeley "Evacuation StoryMaps" to better understand traffic flow and challenges during large-scale evacuations.
What to pack
Have a go bag ready in case you only have minutes to leave. Pack essentials like: flashlight, wallet, phone, map, water bottle, medication, important documents, sturdy shoes and socks, and any other items your household needs to stay safe.
Coordinate a plan with your household and neighbors
Plan ahead for anyone in your home who may need help to pack and evacuate—like children, older adults, or pets.
- Make a backup plan in case normal helpers are not home when an evacuation is ordered. Work with neighbors to help each other pack and carpool out.
- Never return to an evacuation zone. It is not safe to go back for others or belongings.
- Choose a meeting spot outside the evacuation zone for anyone not home. Do not wait for anyone to arrive at home to leave or activate your plan
- If you have children in school, ask someone to pick them up and take them to a safe location. This can help your family evacuate faster.
Protect your assets
If your home or business is in the tsunami zone, consider purchasing flood insurance.
If you’re part of the maritime community, use our preparedness tips for people with boats in the Berkeley Marina.
Stay away until it is safe
Tsunami waves can last for many hours, even after the first one hits. Wait for official instructions before returning to the tsunami zone. Damaged areas may stay closed for a long time due to flooding, unsafe buildings, or contamination.
Sign up for alerts, monitor them closely, and only return to the tsunami zone when officials say it’s safe.
Make a tsunami evacuation plan now—know if you're in the tsunami zone, where to go, how to get there, and how to stay informed before, during, and after an emergency.
