Californians should also learn the difference between tsunami watches and warnings by visiting the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's web site at www.tsunami.noaa.gov

The OES Director said every Californian - not just those who live or work along the coast - should learn what to do if a tsunami occurs.

"Even though the 1964 tsunami was generated by a magnitude - 9.2 earthquake more than 1,500 miles away, it caused tremendous damage to Crescent City and other parts of California, resulting in a dozen deaths and $17 million in damage," said Renteria. "The anniversary of that earthquake and tsunami this month provides Californians an opportunity to learn about tsunamis and how they should prepare themselves and their families if they visit or live along the coast."

Although California isn't affected by tsunamis as often as it is by earthquakes, the state - particularly the North Coast - is susceptible to larger-than-normal waves triggered by earthquakes generated locally as well as thousands of miles away. Scientists believe that Southern California is also at risk for damaging tsunamis generated by distant earthquakes as well as earthquakes and landslides that occur just off the coast.

Renteria recommends that residents of low-lying areas along the coast begin preparing by checking with their local office of emergency services to determine their risk and the areas subject to inundation in a tsunami.