Look Out For Each Other

If you are a recreational boater, here are some helpful things you can do when a Tsunami Warning is issued:

Marine and Immediate Foreshore Threat

• Boats in harbours, estuaries and in shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront

• Move away from the immediate water's edge of harbours, coastal estuaries, rock platforms, and beaches

• Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until further advised

• DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami

• Check that others have received this advice

• Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advice

Land Inundation Threat

• Boats in harbours, estuaries and in shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront

• Go to higher ground, at least ten metres above sea level, or if possible move at least one kilometre away from all beaches and the water's edge of harbours and coastal estuaries

• Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until further advised

• Take only essential items that you can carry including important papers, family photographs and medical needs

• Consider walking to safety if possible to avoid traffic jams

• If you cannot leave the area take shelter in the upper storey of a sturdy brick or concrete multi-storey building

• DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami

• Check that others have received this advice

• Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advice

A Tsunami warning Cancellation will be issued when the Tsunami threat has passed

Know where to go

Find the safest route to travel in the event that you might need to evacuate and identify the point at which your evacuation route may be cut.

Find out where any evacuation centres could be set up in your area. If you prefer, check with friends and relatives outside the tsunami prone area to organise a place to go.

Know who to call

For emergency help in tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500

Keep local emergency numbers handy (In your phone or wallet)

In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero)

During a Tsunami event, an area that is of great risk are those that are on the water front or in Marinas within the predicted impact zone.

Those dangers could include damage to boats, vessels and docks, as well as loss of life if boaters are not aware or prepared for a tsunami occurring.

Up to 3 hours before the predicted arrival time of a tsunami, access will be allowed to moored boats to enable removal of valuables and securing of boats.

The reason these areas are of greater risk, is that the wave will impact this area, before reaching land, if at all. To ensure you have the greatest chance of reaching safety, we have provided some basic steps to take in the event that a Marine and Immediate Foreshore Tsunami warning is issued:

• Get out of the water and move away from the immediate water's edge of harbours, coastal estuaries, rock platforms, and beaches

• Boats in harbours, estuaries and in shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront

• Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until further advised

• DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami

• Check that people and vessels around you have received this advice

• Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advice

The following steps should be taken if the Tsunami Warning indicates a potential for Land Inundation:

• Go to higher ground, at least ten metres above sea level, or if possible move at least one kilometre away from all beaches and the water's edge of harbours and coastal estuaries

• Take only essential items that you can carry including important papers, family photographs and medical needs

• Consider walking to safety if possible to avoid traffic jams

• If you cannot leave the area take shelter in the upper storey of a sturdy brick or concrete multi-storey building

• DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami

• Check that people around you have received this advice

• Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advice

Did you know that even if you are at sea, there may still be a potential risk in the event a Tsunami Warning is issued. Below are some tips to remember when at sea, and a Tsunami Warning is current.

Marine Rescue NSW will be authorised to disseminate warnings to commercial shipping and Ports in the event of a Tsunami Warning being issued.

You may be in an area where an official warning will not be available, so you should be aware of the natural warning signs that a tsunami is approaching.

• You may see the ocean drop. As tsunami approach the shoreline, the sea level may, but not always recede or drop dramatically before returning as a fast moving series of waves.

• You may hear an unusual roaring sound from the ocean before the arrival of a tsunami.

Actions to take when a Tsunami Warning is issued

• Boats in harbours, estuaries and in shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront

• Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until further advised

• Check that other shipping have received this advice

• Keep listening to your local radio station and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advice

Know who to call

Radio for help on

• Channel 16 on VHF (distress and calling channel)
• Channel 88 (27.880 MHz) on a 27 MHz radio

Or for information on Marine Rescue, call their office on (02) 8071 4848

The NSW SES is another point of contact, call us on 132 500

Beachside caravan parks are great for a holiday, but can be at risk if a tsunami were to hit the NSW coast. There are a few things to consider when staying on or close to a beach or the coastline.

Below are some helpful basic tips to follow in preparing for a tsunami. These steps will allow you to plan what you will do if a Tsunami Warning is issued, and where you will go to ensure your safety.

Be aware of your risks

If you plan to stay in a low lying coastal area close to the beach, an estuary, a river or any other coastal inlet:

• Find out what local radio station you should listen to if there is ever an emergency situation in your local community or the communities you visit during the holiday period

• Contact your local NSW SES unit for information about local risks

• For residents that plan to stay on or near the NSW coastline, prepare now by completing a Home Emergency Plan. This will help you identify what you will do if danger arises

Tsunami Warnings are issued by the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre. These warnings can be issued in a number of different ways.

They include:

• Radio and television broadcast. Information about the warning and the impact area will be sent to all local radio and television stations for immediate broadcast. The information will contain basic tips to follow, as well as information on the impact the tsunami will have, on what areas and over what time frame

• Tsunami Warning Siren. If you are on or near a public beach, a siren like warning will be activated. People in the water, or the immediate area will be instructed to evacuate and move further inland, at least 1km inland and 10m above sea level

• Emergency Alert System. A text message will be sent to people in the affected area. Once this message has been received, it is then advised that residents activate their emergency plan and follow the steps to safety

You may be in an area where an official warning will not be available, so you should be aware of the natural warning signs that a tsunami is approaching.

• You may, but not always, see the ocean drop. As tsunami approach the shoreline, the sea level may, but not always recede or drop dramatically before returning as a fast moving series of waves

• You may, but not always, hear an unusual roaring sound from the ocean before the arrival of a tsunami

If any of these signs appear, you should attempt to seek clarification once you have removed yourself from the area, it is always best to be safe. 

Living or working on or close to the NSW coastline can put you at risk in the event of a Land Inundation Tsunami.

Below are some helpful basic tips to follow in preparing for a tsunami. These steps will allow you to plan what you will do if a Tsunami Warning is issued, and where you will go to ensure your safety.

Be aware of your risks

• Do you live in a low lying coastal area close to the beach, an estuary, a river or any other coastal inlet

• Find out what local radio station you should listen to if there is ever an emergency situation in your local community or the communities you visit during the holiday period

• Contact your local NSW SES unit for information about the impact a Tsunami may have

• For residents that live on or near the NSW coastline, prepare now by completing your Home Emergency Plan.

• For local business' on or near the NSW coastline, complete your Business FloodSafe Toolkit to help you prepare for a tsunami event

Tsunami Warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. These warning can be issued in a number of different ways.

They include:

• Radio and television broadcast. Information about the warning and the impact area will be sent to all Local radio and television stations for immediate broadcast. The information will contain basic tips to follow, as well as information on the impact the Tsunami will have, on what areas and over what time frame

• Tsunami Warning Siren. If you are on or near a public beach, a siren like warning will be activated. People in the water, or the immediate area will be instructed to evacuate and move further inland, at least 1km inland and 10m above sea level

• Emergency Alert System. A Text message will be sent to people in the affected area. Once this message has been received, it is then advised that residents activate their emergency plan and follow the steps to safety

You may be in an area where an official warning will not be available, so you should be aware of the natural warning signs that a tsunami is approaching.

• You may see the ocean drop. As tsunami approach the shoreline, the sea level may, but not always recede or drop dramatically before returning as a fast moving series of waves

• You may hear an unusual roaring sound from the ocean before the arrival of a tsunami

If any of these signs appear, you should attempt to seek clarification once you have removed yourself from the area, it is always best to be safe.

Know where to go

• Find the safest route to travel in the event that you might need to evacuate and identify the point at which your evacuation route may be cut

• Find out where any evacuation centres could be set up in your area. If you prefer, check with friends and relatives outside the tsunami prone area to organise a place to go

Know who to call

• For emergency help in tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500

• Keep local emergency numbers handy (In your phone or wallet)

• In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero)

Those that visit beaches, rock pools and other locations along the NSW coastline, are more likely to be affected by a tsunami impact.

Tsunami can pose a threat to all recreational marine users.

Tsunami can pose rapid and unpredictable changes in water level, resulting in dangerous rips and currents in harbours, coastal waterways and along beaches.

If you are a surfer, swimmer or recreational diver we have compiled a list of basic steps to take in the event a Tsunami Warning is issued.

Marine and Immediate Foreshore Threats

• Get out of the water and move away from the immediate water's edge of harbours, coastal estuaries, rock platforms, and beaches

• DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami

• Check that your neighbours have received this advice

• Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advice

Land Inundation Threat

• Get out of the water

• Go to higher ground, at least ten metres above sea level, or if possible move at least one kilometre away from all beaches and the water's edge of harbours and coastal estuaries

• Take only essential items that you can carry including important papers, family photographs and medical needs

• Consider walking to safety if possible to avoid traffic jams

• If you cannot leave the area take shelter in the upper storey of a sturdy brick or concrete multi-storey building

• DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami

• Check that others have received this advice

• Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advice

Do not attempt to surf tsunami they are much more dangerous and powerful than normal ocean and wind swell waves.

You may be in an area where an official warning will not be available, so you should be aware of the natural warning signs that a Tsunami is approaching.

• You may see the ocean drop. As tsunami approach the shoreline, the sea level may, but not always recede or drop dramatically before returning as a fast moving series of waves

• You may hear an unusual roaring sound from the ocean before the arrival of a tsunami

Know where to go

• Find the safest route to travel in the event that you might need to evacuate and identify the point at which your evacuation route may be cut

• Find out where any evacuation centres could be set up in your area. If you prefer, check with friends and relatives outside the tsunami prone area to organise a place to go

Know who to call

• For emergency help in tsunamis, call the NSW SES on 132 500

• Keep local emergency numbers handy (In your phone or wallet)

• In a life‐threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero)

The NSW Coast is great for a holiday, but can pose a risk if a tsunami were to happen. There are a few things to consider when staying on or close to a beach or the coastline.

Below are some helpful basic tips to follow in preparing for a tsunami. These steps will allow you to plan what you will do if a Tsunami Warning is issued, and where you will go to ensure your safety.

Be aware of your risks

If you plan to stay in a low lying coastal area close to the beach, an estuary, a river or any other coastal inlet:

• Find out what local radio station you should listen to if there is ever an emergency situation in your local community or the communities you visit during the holiday period

• Contact the local NSW SES unit for information about local risks

• For residents that plan to stay on or near the NSW coastline, prepare now by completing a Home Emergency Plan. This will help you identify what you will do if danger arises

Tsunami Warnings are issued by the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre. These warnings can be issued in a number of different ways.

They include:

• Radio and television broadcast. Information about the warning and the impact area will be sent to all local radio and television stations for immediate broadcast. The information will contain basic tips to follow, as well as information on the impact the tsunami will have, on what areas and over what time frame

• Tsunami Warning Siren. If you are on or near a public beach, a siren like warning will be activated. People in the water, or the immediate area will be instructed to evacuate and move further inland, at least 1km inland and 10m above sea level

• Emergency Alert System. A Text message will be sent to people in the affected area. Once this message has been received, it is then advised that residents activate their emergency plan and follow the steps to safety

You may be in an area where an official warning will not be available, so you should be aware of the natural warning signs that a tsunami is approaching.

• You may see the ocean drop. As tsunami approach the shoreline, the sea level may, but not always recede or drop dramatically before returning as a fast moving series of waves

• You may hear an unusual roaring sound from the ocean before the arrival of a tsunami

If any of these signs appear, you should attempt to seek clarification once you have removed yourself from the area, it is always best to be safe.

Many people across NSW are affected by dangerous tsunami and there have been avoidable deaths due to tsunami. The protection of life is the highest priority for the NSW SES when we make decisions about planning for tsunami.

People who are deaf or have impaired hearing may be more susceptible to the impacts of tsunami. It is important to care for and assist all people to be prepared for, respond to and recover from tsunami.

Identifying a support person or carer who can assist with planning for and response to tsunamis can greatly increase the resilience of people who are deaf or have impaired hearing to recover faster from tsunami events.

If you care for a person who is deaf or has impaired hearing, they may need assistance in planning for tsunamis as well as putting that plan into action in times of tsunami.

Consider:

• Setting up a support tree to contact people with limited or no hearing (by visiting them) when a Tsunami Watch or Tsunami Warning has been issued, is a good way to make sure they get current information

• Utilise a care or support person to develop a Home Emergency Plan that suits your situation

TsunamiSafe information on what to do before, during and after a tsunami is relevant for people who are deaf or have impaired vision. A support person can run through the advice and tips for these areas with the person and assist in preparing, responding and recovering from tsunami.

Many people across NSW are affected by dangerous tsunamis and there have been avoidable deaths due to tsunamis. The protection of life is the highest priority for the NSW SES when we make decisions about planning for tsunami.

People with impaired mobility can be more susceptible to the impacts of tsunamis. It is important to care for and assist all people to be prepared for, respond to and recover from tsunami.

Identifying a support person or carer who can assist with planning for and response to tsunamis can greatly increase the resilience of people with impaired mobility to recover faster from tsunami events.

If you care for a person with limited mobility, they may need assistance in planning for tsunami as well as putting that plan into action in times of tsunami.

Some ways of assisting mobility impaired people with tsunami planning may include:

• Think about any mobility support equipment in planning and responding to tsunami events 
• Utilise a care or support person to develop a Home Emergency Plan that suits your situation
• Set up a network of support with family, friends, co-workers, neighbours, carers, etc. who can assist you during an emergency. It is important that your network takes part in your planning and be familiar with your functional abilities and limitations
• If you use an Occupational Therapist or are on an Attendant Care Package ask your provider for assistance and information on the emergency plan as this is a requirement for funding
• Talk to local council and emergency services about what support can be provided to you in case of an emergency
• Speak to the fire wardens in your work place and ask about the emergency plan for wheelchair evacuations. Ensure there is a workable plan in place for your requirements if there isn’t, speak to your human resources and the building manager to request a workable plan
• Be ready to go early - pack and store all emergency kit items (including medications, medical supplies and/or assistive devices) in an easy-to-access and easy-to- transport bag should you need to evacuate. Ensure you inform your network of where you keep your emergency kit
• Prepare a list of any food or drug allergies you might have and all the medications you are taking
• Provide written instructions for your network on how best to assist you and your assistance dog (if applicable) during an emergency
• Since your medications, assistive devices, etc. may change over time, it is advisable for you to regularly assess your needs and incorporate any changes to your emergency survival kit supplies and your emergency plan
• If you rely on any life sustaining equipment, develop an emergency back-up plan that will ensure the equipment works in the event of a power outage
• Label your special needs equipment and attach a laminated instruction cards on how to use, retrieve and/or move each assistive device during an emergency. This information should be updated as your equipment or needs change
• If during an emergency your support network cannot assist you for whatever reason, ask other individuals around you to help you. Remember to inform them of your special needs and how they can best offer assistance
• There may be instances where you may need to leave your wheelchair behind in order to evacuate safely. Familiarise yourself with lifting and carrying techniques that will work for you. Alert rescue personnel to any areas of vulnerability you may have. For example, the traditional "fire fighter's carry" may be hazardous for people with respiratory weakness. You need to be able to communicate brief instructions regarding how to move you. Providing diagrams on safe lifts may help in communicating instructions on how to move you in circumstances where you have to leave your wheelchair
• Practice your emergency plan with your network at least twice a year. It is important that you practice your plan both during the day and at night, when the conditions can vary
• Keep access ways free of furniture or household items so not obstruct a quick exit
• Keep all information updated and current. Any changes to your emergency plans should be relayed to your support network

For wheel chairs, consider

• A patch kit and pump to repair flat tyres – extra supply of inner tubes
• Heavy gloves to use while wheeling or making your way over glass or debris

If motorised wheel chair, consider:

• An extra charged battery or car battery

The advice above was developed in partnership with ParaQuad NSW

TsunamiSafe information on what to do before, during and after a tsunami is relevant for people with impaired mobility. A support person can run through the advice and tips for these areas with the person and assist in preparing, responding and recovering from tsunamis.

Many people across NSW are affected by dangerous tsunami and there have been avoidable deaths due to tsunami. The protection of life is the highest priority for the NSW SES when we make decisions about planning for tsunamis.

People with an intellectual disability can be more exposed to the impacts of tsunami. It is important to care for and assist all people to be prepared for, respond to and recover from tsunami.

Identifying a support person or carer who can assist with planning for and response to tsunamis can greatly increase the resilience of people with an intellectual impairment to recover faster from tsunami events.

 If you care for a person with an intellectual disability they may need assistance in planning for tsunami as well as putting that plan into action in times of tsunami.

• Identify a support person or carer who can assist in planning for tsunami and people who can assist during tsunami events

• Utilise a care or support person to develop a Home Emergency Plan that suits your situation

TsunamiSafe information on what to do before, during and after a tsunami is relevant for people with an intellectual impairment. A support person can run through the advice and tips for these areas with the person and assist in preparing, responding and recovering from tsunami. Create your own Emergency Plan now by clicking here

The protection of life is the highest priority for the NSW SES when we make decisions about planning for tsunami.

People with impaired vision can be more susceptible to the impacts of tsunami. It is important to care for and assist all people to be prepared for, respond to and recover from tsunami.

Identifying a support person or carer who can assist with planning for and response to tsunami can greatly increase the resilience of people with impaired vision to recover faster from these events.

If you care for a person with limited or no vision, they may need assistance in planning for tsunami as well as putting that plan into action in times of storms.

Some ways of assisting vision impaired people with Tsunami planning may include:

• Recording the actions they need to take so they can replay them in times of tsunami

• Listen to your local radio station for information, updates and advice 

• Identify a support person who will be responsible for assisting the vision impaired person during a tsunami 

• Have contact numbers written in braille

• Utilise a care or support person to develop an home emergency plan that suits your situation

TsunamiSafe information on what to do before, during and after a tsunami is relevant for people who are vision impaired. A support person can run through the advice and tips for these areas with the person and assist in preparing, responding and recovering from tsunami.