(Photo by brenbot via Flickr)

This week the government has highlighted one of those natural disasters with National Tsunami Awareness Week.

“As we offer our assistance to those impacted by this tragedy, we also renew our commitment to ensuring preparedness along our shores,” said President Barack Obama. “Efficient warning systems and awareness in coastal communities are vital to protecting Americans in at-risk areas of the country.”

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association is urging all U.S. coastline residents to take the threat of tsunamis seriously. NOAA says that the key to surviving a tusnami it to be aware of the warning signs and to get to higher ground.

NOAA and FEMA issued the following tsunami warning signs:

• A strong earthquake, or one that persists for 20 seconds or longer
• The ocean withdraws or rises rapidly
• A loud, roaring sound (like an airplane or a train) coming from the ocean
• Tsunami warnings broadcast over television and radio, by beach lifeguards, community sirens, text message alerts, National Weather Service tsunami warning center Web sites and on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

If you see any of those warning signs, FEMA and NOAA suggested the following:

• Keep calm
• Immediately move to your local tsunami shelter using defined tsunami evacuation routes
• If there are no evacuation routes defined, move to higher ground that is at least 100 feet in elevation, a mile inland, or to the highest floor of a sturdy building and STAY there
• If you are already in a safe location, STAY there
• Move on foot when possible - do not drive - this keeps the roads clear for emergency vehicles
• Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or news broadcasts for changes in tsunami alerts
• Stay away from the coast and low-lying areas until local officials say it's safe to return

NOAA's National Weather Service runs the U.S. tsunami detection and warning system.