Our First Tsunami Warning...

Friday nights is the only night we attempt to sit down and watch a TV program (except for professional football and the occasional college game). The show is Numbers and we enjoy it. Whether or not we watch has a lot to do with whether we remember it is on prior to the start. If it was any other night of the week, we wouldn’t remember as Friday stands out because we don’t go to work the next morning.

Last night we did remember and were getting everything ready…lap throws, popcorn, drinks, TV on, etc., when suddenly the TV went black and a bright red banner appeared announcing we were in a Tsunami Warning. There was an 8.2 or 8.3 (depending on which newscast you watch) earthquake off of Russia or Japan (depending on which newscast you watch) and a Tsunami may be heading our way.

Hadn’t thought of that type of event. I’ve blogged about volcanoes, earthquakes and wild carnivorous animals and what we are supposed to do in various situations but Tsunami’s hadn’t really crossed my mind. (Which is actually pretty sad considering the one that hit the Alaska coastline in the 60’s killing people.) As the warning updates came across, I realized they weren’t really sure if anything was going to happen. Since a tsunami in the open ocean looks like any other wave, there is no sure way to know something is going to happen until the water nears the coast. Then it is too late to evacuate.

What would we do? Our house is over 6 miles from the coastline and 400 ft above sea level - I don’t think we would have a problem here. At work, even though we are downtown, our building is still several blocks from the coast and above sea level plus it should be relatively sturdy. If we are at work, my plan is to stay in my office (on an upper floor) and get my camera out. Oh – and obviously at both places – hit the internet to see where the earthquake was and what warnings have been issued. I found this NOAA site last night http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/eventmap.html specifically dealing with West Coast and Alaska tsunami warnings. (How did we ever get timely information before the internet?)

Luckily, last night’s earthquake didn’t cause any tsunamis and we are in the clear this morning. And today there isn't a cloud in the sky and warm - 35 degrees. Who ever though 35 would be considered warm.

BTW - I'm headed to the slope Monday. That should provide some interesting fodder.