Millions of people enjoy California’s wonderful coastline! Whether you live, work, or visit, it is important to be aware that the coastal region is vulnerable to tsunamis. California’s large offshore faults and steep underwater slopes could cause a local tsunami to arrive in minutes. Tsunamis can also travel across the ocean from distant earthquakes. Although these events are rare, it is important to know what to do. If you are visiting the beach and you feel an earthquake, you should get to high ground or go inland.

California tsunami inundation maps show where areas on land can become quickly flooded when there is a tsunami. Tsunamis produce strong, rapidly moving currents that can flow onto normally dry land. Tsunamis are also dangerous for people in the water and boats or ships near the coastline.

Inundation maps are intended to be used to help guide people from dangerous areas to safe areas by showing where high, safe ground is located. These maps can be used by anyone to plan a safe evacuation route. You can practice walking out of the tsunami zone to be better prepared for a real tsunami.

Search for a map of your area here.

The shaded rectangles show the regions where there are tsunami maps. You can you zoom in and move the view until you see the area you are interested in. When you zoom in close enough, the pale pink areas that appear are the tsunami inundation zones. You can also use the search box to locate a specific address.

Tsunami preparedness information about your area of interest can be found by clicking within the pink area on the map, then click on the arrow to the right of the small pop up icon. To download a KMZ file to view the tsunami zones on Google Earth, click here.

Learn more about tsunamis and other natural hazards in your neighborhood and how to reduce your risk at MyHazards.

A collection of tsunami preparedness materials specific to California is listed below. You may want to also access our global resources page for more information.

California Geological Survey Tsunami Program

Cal OES Earthquake and Tsunami Program

	Cal OES Tsunami Brochure (PDF)
	TSUNAMIS! What Boaters Should Know (PDF)
	CGS Tsunami Hazard Worksheet (PDF)
	Cal OES Tsunami Lesson Worksheet (PDF)
	Cal OES/CGS Tsunami Information (PDF)
	Sausalito Tsunami Brochure (PDF)
	ShakeOut Tsunami Drill (PDF)
	Tohoku Tsunami Poster (PDF)

Educational Videos

Tsunamis: Know What to Do! - YouTube

Tsunami Preparedness in Central California, USA - YouTube

Tsunami Preparedness in Southern California, USA - YouTube

Tsunami Preparedness in Northern California, USA - YouTube

Recovering Hope: A Piece of Tsunami Debris Brings Two Cities Together