National Standard Operating Procedures - Jul 2022

Tsunami Preparation and Response - NSOP
Section 6 – Emergency Operations
Version Number: 1.0
Effective Date: 1 October 2021
Review Date: 31 July 2023
Document Owner: National Lifesaving Manager
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to provide details for the preparation and response to local,
regional and distant tsunami, in order to minimise the potential of harm to people and also minimise
the potential loss of rescue assets and other property. These procedures apply during SLS
operations and also outside of SLS operations.
2.0 SCOPE
This procedure applies to all operational services. For detailed local responses, refer to CSOPs.
3.0 REQUIREMENTS
Required PPE
N/A
Awards/Licenses
N/A
Training
N/A
Other
Tsunami Induction
Equipment
N/A
4.0 INTRODUCTION
There are three tsunami categories – Local, Regional and Distant. The response to each of these
varies due to the proximity and available response time and the potential risk of harm.
Local tsunami may only provide a few minutes warning before inundation, as they are
generated very close to New Zealand shores.
Regional tsunami may provide one to three hours warning of a potential tsunami, as they are
generated well off shore.
Distant tsunami is likely to provide more than three hours warning, as they are generated
from around the Pacific rim.
IF LONG AND STRONG GET GONE
The National Emergency Management Agency is responsible for issuing tsunami warnings, which are
published on www.civildefence.govt.nz and Twitter@NZCivilDefence. Tsunami warnings will also be
NSOP
TSUNAMI PREPARATION AND RESPONSE NSOP_FINAL 97