BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — There is only one community on the entire eastern seaboard of the United States that is certified as "tsunami-ready." WFTV went to Indian Harbour Beach in Brevard County on Friday to see how and why they've prepared.
It is a possibility that a massive wave could hit Central Florida due to a fault line off the coast of Puerto Rico. The problem is that island is so close that it would be hard to escape, especially for any city that's not prepared.
Indian Harbour Beach is a small seaside oasis, which has the unique distinction of being the only city on the eastern seaboard ready for a tsunami.
"We have to implement our plan within the first 15 minutes of us being notified," said Lou Giacona, Public Works Director.
The city has an alarm warning system along its beaches and has a plan for rescuers to go door-to-door to get people out. Teams even practice twice a year for a mock tsunami.
But is this over-reacting?
"It's better to be proactive then wait until something bad happens," said resident Christian Grooms.
If a tsunami were to form, it would come from Puerto Rico, where there is an active fault line. In 1918, a 7.5 earthquake created a tsunami that killed 40 people.
If a tsunami were to form it would be on Florida's coast in less than an hour.
"It's very slim to get that many people mobilized and get them out of here. They're going to have to plan," said fire Chief Todd Scaldo.
Indian Harbour Beach only has 8,700 residents and a mile of coastline. In fact, officials in other cities laughed at them when they started a tsunami program. But the little city said at least they have a plan.
If a tsunami were to hit, it would likely have a 15 to 25-foot surge.
Indian Harbour Beach is lucky enough to have a 20-feet-high dune that acts as a barrier. Other coastal areas aren't so lucky.
WFTV
