Santa Monica natural tsunami signs can come before an alert

Parts of Santa Monica’s coastline are in a tsunami hazard zone. Use the city map now to learn the primary routes and evacuation sites from the beach, pier, low coastal streets, workplace, school, or hotel.

Do not always wait for a phone alert. If you are inside the hazard zone and feel more than 20 seconds of strong shaking, see a sudden rise or fall in ocean level, or hear a loud ocean roar, evacuate on foot or bicycle as soon as the shaking stops. If you are outside the hazard zone, wait for official instructions before adding to evacuation traffic.

SMAlerts sends city emergency updates by phone, email, or text. People who live, work, or regularly visit should create a full account with contact and location details. A short-term visitor can text SMVISIT to 888-777 for temporary alerts that expire after 30 days.

A tsunami warning may require evacuation of low coastal areas. An advisory can close beaches, harbors, and marinas even when broad land flooding is not expected. Follow the current alert and stay away until officials say it is safe.