Tsunami Debris Information - What To Do if You See Debris

MONTESANO, Wash. - Chuck Wallace, Deputy Director of the Grays Harbor County Emergency Management Agency reccommends the following actions if you see tsunami debris on Washington's coast.

Stay safe:

Be alert for sharp metal, nails, screws, glass and splintered wood.

** If you don’t know what it is, don’t touch it **

Report these to Grays Harbor County Emergency Management at (360) 249-3911 or GHCDEM@co.grays-harbor.wa.us    

- GUIDELINES BY DEBRIS TYPE –

Litter and other typical marine debris items:

Common marine debris types will vary by location. If an object can be linked to the tsunami, please report it to DisasterDebris@noaa.gov. Please provide as much information as possible. Where it’s safe and practical to do so, people should remove the debris and recycle any plastics or metals.

Hazardous materials:

Call 911 immediately !

Examples: Drums, fuel tanks and containers, gas cans, gas cylinders, chemical storage totes

Do not touch or attempt to move the item. Give authorities a detailed report about what you’ve observed.

Derelict boat or other large debris item:

Do not attempt to move or remove the boat.

Report it to the U.S. Coast Guard 24-Hour Command Center, 206-217-6001.

Personal effects or possessions from Japan tsunami:

Items that appear to be personal belongings should be treated with respect. They should be reported with as much relevant detail as possible. Generally, these objects should be left in place for later retrieval. However, if the object appears likely to be moved by tide or wave action and it is safe to do so, consider moving the object above the high-tide line. Report these to Grays Harbor County Emergency Management at (360) 249-3911 or GHCDEM@co.grays-harbor.wa.us    

Human remains:

It is extremely unlikely any human remains from the tsunami will reach the United States. However, if you encounter any remains, immediately call 911 and give local authorities a detailed report about what you observed.

Do not touch or attempt to move.

For more information on Japan tsunami debris, please visit www.marinedebris.noaa.gov/info/japanfaqs.html

To request a shoreline monitoring guide, email  - MDmonitoring@noaa.gov