Tsunamis are not unknown on the West Coast. In fact, plenty of people alive today can remember them.
Like Tom Horning, who nearly lost his life in the 1964 tsunami and decided to return to live in Seaside, Oregon... which could well see another unwelcome visit from the ocean.
Bonnie Henderson writes about Tom Horning and the potential for disaster in The Next Tsunami, from Oregon State University Press. Bonnie talks about her work exploring the scientific and personal aspects of tsunamis.