The world averted a major tsunami: Here's what to do if a big one does hit one day

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)--While the beaches of the West Coast luckily avoided being struck by a strong tsunami after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday, San Diegans should still know how to prepare if a big one were to happen.

The United States utilizes a four-level alert system to notify the public of a potential tsunami. The four different alert levels, from lowest in severity to highest, are Tsunami Information Statement, Tsunami Watch, Tsunami Advisory, and the highest alert, when evacuation is recommended, Tsunami Warning.

According to the National Weather Service, tsunami warnings can come in a variety of ways, such as being broadcast through radio, television and wireless emergency alerts. The alerts can also be delivered via outdoor sirens, local officials, text message alerts and telephone notifications.

In some cases, there may not be enough time to wait for an official warning, so it's crucial to know the natural warnings that may indicate a tsunami is breaking nearby.

The natural warnings include:

• Long or strong earthquake
• Sudden rise or fall of the ocean
• Loud roar from the ocean

Along with understanding the alerts and knowing the warning signs, there are also several ways people can prepare themselves before, during, and after a tsunami.

Before a tsunami:

• Have various ways to receive warnings: Sign up to receive text message alerts from your local government. Also, it may be beneficial to purchase a NOAA Weather Radio, which costs around $20 on average and has weather updates around the clock.
• Map out potential evacuation routes: Create routes from home, work, and places visited often that will get you to high ground or outside the tsunami hazard zone. Plan to evacuate on foot in case roads are closed or blocked due to damage or traffic jams. Make sure to practice walking your routes, even in rainy weather.
• Prepare a portable emergency kit: Include anything you and your family may need in an emergency, including non-perishable food, water, medications, a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, a radio and personal hygiene items. Include anything you need for your pets as well. It is also beneficial to have an additional emergency kit stashed in your car.

During a tsunami:

If you're in the hazard zone and receive a warning alert:

• Stay out of the ocean and away from beaches and waterways
• Listen closely for more information from your phone, the radio or a television
• If you are forced to evacuate, move quickly to high ground or inland areas away from bodies of water such as rivers and lagoons.

If you're in the hazard zone and receive a "natural" alert (earthquake, loud ocean roar):

You may only have minutes to react!

• If an earthquake is occurring, protect yourself by dropping low to the ground and covering up to protect from falling debris. Also, try to find something stable to hold on to.
• Move quickly to high ground or inland as soon as you safely can. Do not wait for an official warning or instructions.
• Once in a safe place, try to get more information from your phone, radio or television.

After a tsunami:

• Stay out of hazard zones until officials deem it safe to return. Just because a warning is canceled doesn't necessarily mean that the danger has completely passed.
• Do not enter any building that has been damaged or is near water until officials say it is safe to do so.
• Continue to listen for updates and contact your family and loved ones to let them know you're okay. You can also utilize social media and mark yourself as safe via Facebook.

For more information, visit the National Weather Service's Tsunami Safety page.

While tsunamis are a rarity, they can still strike any coast without warning. Always try to remain calm in the event of an emergency and do your best to stay informed.