U.S.

Department of Homeland Security

Department of Washington, DC 20528

Homeland
Security
Dear John Doe,
It has come to the attention of the Department of Homeland Security that you are currently living in an
area of the United States that is at risk for a tsunami event. While it is statistically unlikely that you will
experience such an event, taking a short amount of time to prepare now could save your life or the lives of
those around you in the future. The DHS requests that each citizen take time to know the warning signs of
a tsunami, learn the evacuation routes in your area, and assemble an emergency preparedness kit.

What is a Tsunami
Tsunami are high-impact events that have the potential to cause damage to property and loss of life.
While a tsunami can strike any cost worldwide, some areas of coastline are more likely to experience an
event than others. Since 1812 there have been a recorded 92 tsunami on the United States coastline,
causing 25 deaths and an estimated 249 million dollars in damage.

Tsunami Warning Signs

Recognizing the warning signs of a tsunami are crucial to your ability to react to an event. Tsunami
events often follow undersea earthquakes. If you find yourself in an earthquake, a tsunami may be
following close behind. As a tsunami approaches the shoreline, ocean water may recede from the coast,
exposing the ocean floor. If you experience this, do not wait for evacuation alerts from the government.

Evacuation
Once you find yourself in a potential tsunami event, you should immediately leave low lying coastal areas
and move inland towards higher ground. Evacuation plans have been generated by the Department of
Homeland Security and should be sought out at www.DHS.gov or local government buildings. Being
aware of these evacuation routes can decrease the time that it takes you and loved ones to retreat to higher
ground, thus increasing your odds of survival.

Construct an Emergency Preparedness Kit

An emergency preparedness kit can be of great value to you and those around you both during and after a
natural disaster event. These kits are relatively easy and inexpensive to assemble as many of the items are
easy to find and inexpensive. The main components of these kits include water, food, a battery powered
or hand crank radio, and a first aid kit. A full list of items can be found at www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.
Once you have assembled a kit of basic items it can be useful to consider if you have any unique needs
for your family such as items for pets or seniors.

Benefits of Preparedness
Being prepared now takes a small amount of time but could save your life and the lives of those close to
you.

Thank you for taking the time to be a responsible citizen and helping your community safe.

Dillon Hartley
Secretary of Communication
The Department of Homeland Security