“Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential” – Winston Churchill
What is a Tsunami?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers this definition:
Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. Out in the depths of the ocean, tsunami waves do not dramatically increase in height. But as the waves travel inland, they build up to higher and higher heights as the depth of the ocean decreases. The speed of tsunami waves depends on ocean depth rather than the distance from the source of the wave. Tsunami waves may travel as fast as jet planes over deep waters, only slowing down when reaching shallow waters. While tsunamis are often referred to as tidal waves, this name is discouraged by oceanographers because tides have little to do with these giant waves.”
Tsunami Stats
WorldData.info states: that since 1737, 74 tsunamis have killed 548 people across America, noting the largest tsunami wave recorded hit a height of 1,720 feet back in 1958. These somewhat silent and deadly killers are relatively unexpected, so many residents don’t even bother to take any protective measures, but any type of flood wave, even on a small scale, can cause financial loss and damage.
The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) has identified the following areas at high to very high risk:
- West Coast: Washington, Oregon, California
- Alaska
- Alaska Arctic Coast
- Hawaii
- American Samoa
- Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
NTHMP further identified the Atlantic and Gulf coasts as being at low to very low risk for tsunamis. Tsunami waves generally travel between 20–30 miles per hour, with waves ranging from 10–100 feet high.
Tsunami Categories Defined
The North-Eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean, and connected seas Tsunami Information Center (NEAMTIC) categorizes tsunamis according to the New Tsunami Intensity Scale as follows:
| Tsunami seismic intensity scale | Intensity | Observances | Likely Damages |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Not felt by people |
Not felt even under the most favorable circumstance. |
No effects; no damages. |
|
2 |
Scarcely felt |
Felt by few people on board small vessels; not observed along the coast. |
No effects; no damages. |
|
3 |
Weak |
Felt by most people on board small vessels. Observed by a few people on the coast. |
No effects; no damages. |
|
4 |
Largely observed |
Felt by all on board in small vessels and by a few people on board in large vessels. Observed by most people on the coast. |
Few small vessels move slightly onshore; no damage. |
|
5 |
Strong |
Felt by all on board large vessels and observed by all on the coast. Few people are frightened and run to higher ground. |
Many small vessels move strongly onshore, and few of them crash each other or overturn. Traces of sand layer are left behind in grounds under favorable conditions. Limited flooding of cultivated land and outdoor facilities of near-shore structures. |
|
6 |
Slightly damaging |
Many people are frightened and run to higher ground. |
Most small vessels move violently onshore, crash strongly into each other, or overturn. Damage and flooding in a few wooden structures. Most masonry buildings withstand. |
|
7 |
Damaging |
Most people are frightened and try to run to higher ground. |
Many small vessels are damaged. Few large vessels oscillate violently. Objects of variable size and stability overturn and drift. Sand layer and accumulations of pebbles are left behind. Few aquaculture rafts wash away. Many wooden structures are damaged, and few are demolished or washed away. Damage of Grade 1 and flooding in a few masonry buildings. |
|
8 |
Heavily damaging |
All people escape to higher ground, and a few have washed away. |
Most of the small vessels are damaged, and many are washed away. Few large vessels are moved ashore or crashed into each other. Big objects are drifted away. Erosion and littering on the beach. Extensive flooding. Slight damage in tsunami control forest, stop drifts. Many aquaculture rafts washed away, few partially damaged.
Most wooden structures are washed away or demolished. Damage of grade 2 in a few masonry buildings. Most RC buildings sustain damage, in a few damage of grade 1 and flooding is observed. |
|
9 |
Destructive |
Many people have washed away. |
Most small vessels are destroyed or washed away. Many large vessels are moved violently ashore, few are destroyed. Extensive erosion and littering of the beach. Local ground subsidence. Partial destruction in tsunami control forest, stop drifts. Most aquaculture rafts washed away, many partially damaged.
Damage of grade 3 in many masonry buildings, few RC buildings suffer damage grade 2. |
|
10 |
Very destructive |
General panic. Most people are washed away. |
Most large vessels are moved violently ashore, and many are destroyed or collided with buildings. Small boulders from the sea bottom are moved inland. Cars overturned and drifted. Oil spills, and fires may start. Extensive ground subsidence.
Damage of grade 4 in many masonry buildings, few RC buildings suffer damage grade 3. Artificial embankments collapse and port water breaks are damaged. |
|
11 |
Devastating |
General panic. Most people are washed away. |
Lifelines interrupted. Extensive fires. Water backwash drifts cars and other objects into the sea. Big boulders from the sea bottom are moved inland.
Damage of grade 5 in many masonry buildings. Few RC buildings suffer damage grade 4, many suffer damage grade 3. |
|
12 |
Completely Devastating |
General panic. Most people are washed away. |
Practically all masonry buildings are demolished. Most RC buildings suffer at least grade 3 damage. |
NEAMTIC goes on to explain that while there is no official classification for damage to buildings caused by tsunamis, a gross classification is used in association with the tsunami intensity scale:
Grade 1: Slight damage
Grade 2: Moderate damage
Grade 3: Heavy damage
Grade 4: Destruction
Grade 5: Total damage
Is There a Tsunami Season in America?
According to Tsunami.gov, “There is no season for tsunamis. A tsunami can happen any time, any season, and during any weather.”
How DomiDocs can help you navigate through a storm.
The keys to helping you weather any natural disaster are always going to be the same: knowledge and organization. It basically comes down to homeowner responsibility and doing your due diligence to protect both your family and your home before a disaster strikes. Use the secure, award-winning DomiDocs homeowner platform to:
upload a detailed home inventory list itemizing your home’s contents including receipts, photos, and videos of your home’s current condition
store and catalog your proprietary household paperwork using the Insurance Document Bundle feature where your insurance policies are listed to show the company, coverage, cost, and start- and end-date of each, displayed with a calendar timeline for quick reference when needed. Besides for your own use, you can share with your insurance agent at the touch of a button if need to file an insurance claim
work your way through our comprehensive DomiDocs New Homeowner Guide offering best use instructions to help prevent homeowner claims
The Basics of Tsunami Preparedness
Ready.gov, the American Red Cross, and localized organizations such as the Office of Emergency Services, University of California Santa Cruz recommends the following:
| Before a Tsunami, Take the Time to: | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Determine your personal tsunami risk. |
Do you know if you live in a tsunami-prone zone? Government websites like FEMA offer a National Risk Index for Natural Hazards so you can easily determine your personal risk. |
|
|
Know the signs of a tsunami. |
Signs of a tsunami include unusual ocean behavior such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters; a loud roar from the ocean; or an earthquake. |
|
|
Know the difference between a tsunami watch and a warning. |
A Tsunami WATCH means a tsunami has not yet been verified but could exist and may be as little as an hour away A Tsunami WARNING means a tsunami may have been generated and could be close to your area. |
|
|
Develop an evacuation plan. |
Every member of your family needs to know what your homeowner evacuation plan is. Where will you go? How will you get there? What optional evacuation routes will you have if your initial choice is blocked? Where will you stay? Knowing these basics in advance can help stem panic during an actual natural disaster situation. Have a to-go bag in place with all the supplies you’ll need, including items for your pets. If you’ll need assistance in traveling, you’ll need to confirm with someone in advance. And be sure to follow any evacuation orders that have been issued. As a family, discuss how you can help your neighbors during a natural disaster by checking in or helping them evacuate as well. |
|
|
Assemble disaster supplies for your family members and your pets. |
The American Red Cross recommends gathering 2 emergency supply kits:
NOAA recommends adding the following to round out your emergency disaster supply kits, where applicable:
|
|
|
Review/update your homeowner insurance policy. |
It’s estimated that 40% of Americans can’t find an important household document when needed, so the first step is to upload your vital household documents to our user-friendly digital platform, so there’s easy access 24/7/365. Secondly, reassess your homeowner policy to ensure you have the best coverage to fit your needs. Compare the cost and coverage that you have in place, to what else is available from your current insurer and other companies. If there have been any major additions to your home and/or contents in the last year, it’s time to review your homeowner insurance policy to ensure it’ll cover your new additions.
Homeowner insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need to purchase a separate policy for it; note that there’s a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect. |
|
|
Make your home disaster-resistant. |
Depending on where you live across America, insurance companies may reward your efforts in making your home disaster-resistant by offering discounted homeowner insurance premiums. Elevating your coastal home can help to reduce damage as the majority of tsunami waves are less than 10 feet high. Consult an engineer as there may be ways to divert water and waves away from your property. |
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|
Have supplies on hand to make emergency repairs. |
Such supplies can include plastic sheeting, tarps, sandbags, and/or plywood, plus the necessary tools to apply these to your home like a staple gun and/or duct tape. |
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|
Complete a written disaster plan. |
Now that you’ve got everything in place, there’s no better way to solidify it than by making a written plan, which should include regularly practicing your escape route, and maintaining your disaster prep plan supplies by replacing expired items. Ensure your plan includes a contact list, with at least one contact who lives outside the impacted area; share your disaster plan with family and friends. Register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website so friends and family will know you are okay. |
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|
Take the time to emergency life-saving skills. |
The American Red Cross recommends that adults and kids around the age of nine learn first aid and CPR skills. |
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Ready.gov, the American Red Cross, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following:
| When a Tsunami is Happening: |
|---|
|
Get to higher ground as far inland as possible (at least 2 miles away), as quickly as possible. If you’re in a vessel, face the directions of the waves and go out to sea. If you’re in a harbor, go inland. The American Red Cross notes, “If you can see the waves, you are too close for safety.” |
|
If there’s an accompanying earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold ON to protect yourself. |
|
If you end up in the water, grab onto something that floats. Don’t wade in floodwater as it can be deeper than you think and may contain contaminants or debris. |
|
Double-check your emergency supplies including bottled water, plus battery-operated flashlights and a radio. |
|
Monitor local news reports and emergency alerts. |
|
Shut off your electricity, gas, and water utilities. If you smell gas, get out quickly and move as far away as possible, while paying attention to any obstructions or possible falling debris, including fallen power lines, trees, or streetlights. Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so. |
Navigating Insurance Claims: What Every Homeowner Should Know
When you’re facing the aftermath of a natural disaster, working with your insurance company is an inevitable part of the recovery process. DomiDocs® CEO and Founder, William McKenna advises homeowners to carefully review their insurance company’s initial settlement offer, as it may not fully cover all damages. Many experts recommend assessing the offer to ensure it aligns with your policy coverage.
What should you do? Access your personal profile on the DomiDocs® home management platform to easily submit your documented receipts, photos, and videos to your insurance adjuster with just one click. Before accepting a settlement, take the time to consider all potential losses, including missed wages, medical expenses (both current and future), vehicle repairs, and any other damages. Being thorough can help ensure you receive the full coverage you’re entitled to under your policy.
DomiDocs has your back! Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, flood, or fire, the DomiDocs Resouce Page: How To File An Insurance Claim is here to guide you through the claims and recovery process.
Take Control of Your Homeownership Journey with DomiDocs®
Managing your home shouldn’t be stressful. DomiDocs® empowers homeowners with innovative technology, expert guidance, and unparalleled organization—all within a secure, cloud-based platform. From protecting your property and finances to streamlining essential tasks, our tools help you save time, reduce expenses, mitigate costly risks, and maximize your home’s value.
Explore the DomiDocs suite of solutions:
- Homeowner Enablement Platform® – A centralized, digital hub for organizing documents, tracking home value, and managing property details effortlessly.
- HomeLock™ – Protects your home from fraud and title theft with 24/7 monitoring and instant alerts.
- TrueValueIndex® – Provides real-time insights into your home’s value to help you make informed financial decisions.
- propRtax® – Identifies potential property tax savings and ensures you’re not overpaying.
- Documenting for Disaster® – Securely stores critical homeownership documents, ensuring quick access before and after a disaster.
Join the home management revolution today and experience the confidence that comes with having everything you need in one place.
Author – Connie Motz
