Appeal for tsunami vigilance

AUSTRALIA'S out of sight, out of mind attitude towards tsunamis has prompted the State Emergency Service (SES) and Surf Life Saving NSW to appeal for increased vigilance from the community.

In 2009, an earthquake off New Zealand sparked a tsunami warning for the east coast of Australia.

Despite the very real threat, many beach goers ignored the warning and kept on their merry way.

"A lot of people took it as a joke when we tried to get a lot of people out of the water," Ben Redman, of Surf Life Saving NSW Far North Coast, said.

"We have not had a big tsunami here so people are very complacent."

Surf Life Saving NSW and SES have teamed up to spread awareness about what people can do if a tsunami hits the coast.

Tsunami warnings come in two forms, one being a warning with a threat of marine and immediate foreshore inundation (flooding).

The second is a threat of land flooding.

NSW SES Richmond-Tweed region controller Simon Gregg said residents in low-lying coastal areas should be aware of the risks.

"If there is a threat of land inundation, move to higher ground at least 10m above sea level and one kilometre inland from the coast and estuaries," he said.

"Be sure to listen to your local radio station for updated information.

"Helping people prepare now can help reduce the amount of damage and loss associated with severe weather and natural disasters," Mr Gregg said.

Be Tsunami Prepared

Listen to warnings given by emergency services

In threat of land inundation, move to higher ground at least 10 metres above sea level

Move one kilometre inland from the coast and estuaries