Stay Safe During a Tsunami

Tsunamis are dangerous natural disasters that usually occur after some sort of major geological event in or around a major body of water. The true danger of tsunamis is that they can move quickly and overwhelm populated areas without much notice. Thankfully, there are a variety of things you can do to stay safe during a tsunami. By preparing, staying aware, and moving to a safe location during the event, you’ll be much more likely to survive a tsunami.

Steps

Staying Aware

1. Look for signs of a tsunami. If you’re near the water, you should always be aware of signs of a potential tsunami. If you don’t know the signs and watch for them, you could potentially be taken by surprise by a tsunami. Warning signs include:
   • Quickly rising or decreasing waters along the coast.
   • An earthquake.
   • Animals, such as birds, fleeing in the opposite direction of the water.
2. Listen for official communications from authorities in your area. Perhaps the most effective way of staying aware of a possible tsunami is to be tuned in to local warning systems. You can do this by signing up for text messages, being tied into an automated phone warning system, or listening to loudspeaker announcements in public areas.
   • The authorities will issue a tsunami watch when a tsunami may exist and could be moving toward your location.
   • The authorities will issue a tsunami warning when a tsunami has been verified by monitoring stations.
3. Monitor communications during a tsunami. While listening for initial warnings or watches is important, it is very crucial that you continue to listen for updates during the event. This is because the authorities may be able to direct you to a safer evacuation route.
   • Keep your cellphone by you during the event.
   • Turn your radio on low during the event.

Moving to a Safe Location

1. Look for cover if you feel an earthquake. Since earthquakes are one of the most obvious signs of tsunamis, you need to make sure you are safe during that event. If you feel an earthquake, take cover under a doorway, table, or somewhere similar.
   • Remember to drop to the floor and take cover.
2. Gather your family. After you suspect a tsunami is on its way, you should take a minute or two to organize your family. Make sure you know the location of young children, your significant other, and elderly relatives (if they are with you). Explain to everyone that they should follow you closely.
   • If you can do so safely, you should also gather pets and bring them with you when you evacuate.
3. Move to higher ground. Once you become aware of an impending tsunami, you need to immediately move away from the shore and toward higher ground. The pace at which you move to higher ground may have a substantial impact on whether you survive the tsunami.
   • Try to move at least 2 miles (3.2 km) from the coast or 100 feet (30 m) above sea level. Ultimately, though, the higher and farther inland you go, the safer you will be.
   • While trees or tall buildings aren’t a recommended way to survive a tsunami, if you have no other option, you should move as high up as you possibly can.
4. Follow your evacuation route. While your immediate goal is to move to higher ground, you should try to stick to a pre-planned evacuation route if possible. This is important, as following an evacuation route will limit the chance of you inadvertently putting yourself into danger.
5. Wait for authorities to signal an all clear before returning to affected areas. One of the biggest dangers of a tsunami event is the chance of continued tsunamis or large waves. Because of this, wait until you get official word from local authorities before you return to low lying areas.

Preparing for a Tsunami

1. Put together a tsunami preparedness kit. Your kit should include food and water for a couple days, a radio, batteries, first aid supplies, and a flashlight. Your kit will not only provide you with items you may need during and after a tsunami event, but it will give you piece of mind while you are evacuating.
2. Plan evacuation routes. Perhaps the most important part of preparing for a tsunami is creating evacuation routes to high points inland. By plotting several different evacuation routes, you’ll limit the amount of time you may have to waste figuring out where to go during a tsunami. Create plans that will take you from:
   • Work to a safe zone.
   • Home to a safe zone.
   • Likely places you may be in your community to a safe zone.
3. Familiarize yourself with the area around your evacuation route. Take the time to drive or walk the route several times in advance. Look for alternative ways to cross rivers, streets, or get around major buildings.
   • By familiarizing yourself with your evacuation route, you’ll be much more likely to be able to avoid dangers like downed power lines or damaged bridges.
4. Create a contact plan with your friends and family. A contact plan will let you know how and when to communicate with friends or family after you have evacuated. You should also include a place to meet friends and family after authorities have signaled an all clear.
   • Choose a location that is easily accessible and in a safety zone. Possible locations include a friend’s house, a public park, or a landmark.
   • Make sure you include a timeline for communication in your plan. For example, have a first contact time (maybe 1 to 3 hours after the event), a second contact point (6 to 12 hours after), and a third contact point (a day after the event).

Sources and Citations

See also

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