Tsunamis Start with Little Warning
Are you prepared if a tsunami strikes? If you live near or visit the coast,
learn how to prepare and survive a tsunami or tidal wave.
learn how to prepare and survive a tsunami or tidal wave.
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10 Tips to Plan for a Tsunami Disaster
Tsunami waves may be caused by earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, or falling meteors. A huge wave is caused by the sudden displacement of water under the surface. Most tsunamis take place in the Pacific, but tsunamis can happen along any ocean shore. Unlike hurricanes, there is no special season for them. They are rare, but they can happen any time of the day or night. Here’s what to do to plan for a tsunami.
10. Develop a Family Disaster Plan
Be sure each member of the family knows what to do in a tsunami situation. Identify an outside contact person for all members to contact if separated. Post emergency numbers by the phone. Pick two places to meet—first outside the home and second as part of the evacuation route. Discuss what to do if someone is injured. And make a plan for the family pets. 9. Educate Yourself
Learn about the tsunami risk in your community. Know the height above sea level of your street. Find out if your home, school, or work place are in tsunami-hazard areas. Contact your local emergency center or a response group like the American Red Cross. 8. Plan an evacuation route
Know the best way to get away quickly from your home, school, or workplace. Pick an area about 100 feet above sea level to evacuate to or go about two miles inland. Aim to be able to reach your spot by foot in about 15 minutes. Remember, roads may be blocked or impassable. 7. Use a Radio
Listen for extreme weather warnings on an NOAA weather radio. One with a tone alert will get your attention. Listen for local tsunami watches and warnings. There may be announcements from emergency officials, outdoor sirens, or even warnings from aircraft. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel. 6. Never Go Down to the Beach
Never go down to the beach to watch for a tsunami. At the point you can see the wave, you are too close to be able to escape. Tsunamis hit faster than people can run. 5. Do Not Stay Inside a House
Homes and low apartment buildings are not safe if they are in the low coastal areas. Don’t stay in the buildings. Don’t expect a second floor to be high enough. Don’t expect the roof to save you. A powerful scenario will likely knock the home or building down. 4. Go Up as High as You Can
If there is no time to escape, go to a high, multi-story building. Sturdy, concrete hotels can possibly suffice, especially when reinforced for heavy winds of the coast. Whenever possible, try to quickly move inland or up to higher ground. 3. Don’t Return Too Soon
Stay out of buildings if the water remains high around them. The tsunami wave or the receding floodwaters can undermine foundations. Buildings can sink into mud, floors can crack and split, and walls can collapse—all out of sight under the water. Wear sturdy shoes—the most common injury after a flood is cut feet. 2. Don’t Turn On the Lights
Use battery powered lanterns or flashlights when you return to buildings. Battery powered lighting is the safest. There could be broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or flammable explosive substances floating in from outside. Walk through and examine the building with extreme caution. There may be damage in unexpected places. 1. Don’t Drink the Water
Do check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect damaged sewage lines, don’t use the toilets. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and arrange for plumbers. Don’t use the tap water until health officials give the okay. Plan to drink from bottled water for a few days to weeks. Throw out any food that has come into contact with water or that was in a refrigerator without power. |
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Recent large tsunamis have made everyone aware of the danger. Coastal regions are often vacation spots, so keep in mind the best evacuation out of hotels or rental cottages. While some animals have been seen to instinctively move to higher ground right before a tsunami, it doesn’t always happen. Dogs, cats, and other backyard pets are also at risk in rising waters. They are unlikely to just “swim” out of it. Include your pets in your family disaster plan.
Did you enjoy this Simple10s article about tsunami waves? You might also enjoy other articles in the category, Your Natural World. |
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