After a tsunami, local officials will assess the damage and tell you when it is safe to return. Even though the danger of the tsunami has passed, other dangers may remain. If there is a lot of damage, it may be days before it is safe to return (or before you are allowed to return) to affected areas.
Stay out of the tsunami hazard or evacuation zone until local officials tell you it is safe. The cancellation of a tsunami warning does not mean the danger has passed.
Follow instructions from local officials. It is their job to keep you safe.
Stay away from areas that have been damaged for your own safety and so emergency responders can have full access.
Stay out of any building that has earthquake or tsunami damage or has water around it until a professional or local official tells you it is safe to enter.
Avoid fallen power lines or broken utility lines and report those that you see.
Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television or using your mobile device (text or data) to get the latest updates about when it is safe to return, areas to avoid, the location of shelters (if available) and important safety instructions. Limit non-emergency phone calls to keep the lines open for emergency communications.
Let your close friends and loved ones know that you are okay. The American Red Cross's Safe and Well website can help you do this. You can also use the website to find out if others have registered themselves as safe and well.
