A tsunami watch has been issued for Washington, but what does that mean for Federal Way?

The West Coast Tsunami Bulletin was issued at 4:24 p.m. PDT July 29 due to an earthquake 315 miles SW of Bering Island, Komandorski.

The tsunami map from the NOAA shows that the coast and direct inlet at a tsunami watch level with no danger to the south end of the Puget Sound.

According to the Washington Emergency Management Division, a tsunami watch means people should “be aware — A distant earthquake has occurred. A tsunami is possible. Stay tuned for more information. Prepare to take action if necessary.”

Tsunami advisories and tsunami warnings are both more urgent and describe a higher level of danger than a tsunami watch.

Information about tsunami evacuation routes and emergency response can be found at https://mil.wa.gov/tsunami#alerts

Those in Browns Point have specific evacuation instructions if the tsunami watch becomes a warning, which can be found in this brochure or through the website https://nvs.nanoos.org/TsunamiEvac that includes maps, evacuation brochures, tsunami warnings and planning resources.

If there is no specific evacuation plan for your area, emergency guidance includes finding high ground and staying away from coastlines.