Tsunami exercises and drills are excellent ways in which to increase tsunami preparedness and awareness within coastal communities. Regular exercises are essential to maintain the operational readiness of response agencies for the real event, and are especially important because of the infrequent occurrence of tsunamis. Exercises can evaluate one’s ability to respond to a local, regional, or ocean wide tsunami. Exercises can test communications, review agency standard operating procedures, and promote emergency preparedness.

At the local level, stakeholder agencies, community organizations, and citizens groups can work together to organize and conduct drills for the evacuation of low-lying areas after a tsunami warning is issued by local authorities. Tsunami drills by schools are effective ways to educate school children on tsunamis so that they can recognise the tsunami natural warning signs, and know what to do if a tsunami occurs or local authorities issue a tsunami alert of an impending tsunami. When the media is invited to cover and participate in drills, tsunami awareness of communities is increased as a whole.