Time is running out! Applications for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's  Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) close on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Teens from across the nation have the opportunity to make a difference in their communities by joining the YPC. Young people on the council work to better their emergency preparedness skills to help ensure readiness and recovery in their own neighborhoods and beyond. All students in grades 8-11, who have engaged in community service or are interested in being an ambassador for emergency preparedness, are encouraged to apply.

Are you an adult working with youth or emergency management? Share the application with those you believe might be interested in applying today. Applicants must submit a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, and academic records.

Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. PST on March 31, 2017. 

D id you know that tsunamis can happen any time of year? According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a deadly tsunami can occur at anytime if conditions are right.

Most tsunamis or tidal waves are caused by undersea earthquakes, but landslides, volcanic activity, certain types of weather, and meteorites can also cause tsunamis. While tsunamis cannot be prevented, there are things you can do that could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

If you live in or visit a tsunami hazard zone, the NWS offers the following preparedness tips to help keep you safe:

• Get a  NOAA Weather Radio  - National Weather Radio broadcasts official warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Sign up for local alerts and warnings  to receive timely information about weather conditions or other emergency events. 
• Verify with your service provider that your mobile devices receive wireless emergency alerts , which are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier.
• Make an emergency plan that includes family communication .
• Map out evacuation routes to safe places on high ground or inland. The community may have evacuation routes and assembly areas. Find out if the community is TsunamiReady .
• Put together a portable disaster supplies kit with items you and your family ( including pets ) may need in an emergency. Prepare kits for work and cars, too.

For more information, visit the National Weather Service's Tsunami Safety page  and the Ready.gov Tsunamis page.