Residents living in low-lying areas and near the shorelines should be reminded of the dangers a tsunami can present and the importance of having a preparedness plan. While some tsunamis are caused by earthquakes hundreds of miles away, giving us ample warning to prepare, an earthquake near the Hawaiian Islands could provide only minutes to respond.

Hawaii is located in the center of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Frequent geologic upheavals along the coasts of Asia, North America and South America make us particularly vulnerable to tsunamis. The state marks Tsunami Awareness Month each April to encourage residents to be aware of the dangers presented by tsunamis and develop preparedness plans.

Do you know if your residence is in a tsunami inundation zone? Visit the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency’s website to check if you may be impacted by a tsunami.

To learn more about tsunami evacuation tips and how to prepare beforehand to protect your personal property, read our 5 Ways to Prepare for a Tsunami article.