What is a
Tsunami?
The ocean is as temperamental as any other place on earth. A shift on the seabed, a quake on the ocean floor and the ocean responds with towering waves of mass destruction. Beach-goers, people and places in low coastal areas need to be on high alert, especially if these areas are known to be tsunami prone. Growing over 10 feet tall, these monsters can come with little to no warning, unless you know what to look out for. Day or night, no matter what the season, the chance of a tsunami hitting is something everyone should be prepared for.
BEFORE
1
Identify the distance between where you live and the coast along with the height of your street above sea level. Evacuation orders may be based on these factors.
2
If you have children, find out early part what the school’s evacuation plan is. This avoids getting delayed or left unaware due to overloaded telephone lines and blocked roads.
3
Plan an evacuation route from your home, workplace, school or any other area you frequent. Remember ‘Up, Up and Away’ – the further inland and upland, the better.
4
Practice, practice, practice! Familiarizing yourself with your evacuation routes will make you prepared for bad weather, working in darkness and creating a planned response.
5
If you are holidaying abroad or in an unfamiliar area, familiarize yourself with local tsunami evacuation protocols.
How To
Prepare for
a Tsunami
DURING
Tsunami
WATCH
Hasn’t been confirmed, but a distant tsunami is possible.
Tune in to a weather radio/ Coast Guard emergency frequency station/ local radio or television station to stay updated on emergency information. Get your family together and review your evacuation plan so you are ready to move out.
Tsunami
WARNING
There’s potential of a tsunami starting and your area is in the danger-zone.
You need to Evacuate AT ONCE! Take your emergency preparedness kit with you and don’t abandon your pets. Remember Up, Up and Away’ when evacuating, the further inland and upland, the better.
If you notice
A strong earthquake
lasting over 20 seconds
The shoreline
rapidly receding
Unusually quiet ocean
with animals receding
inland
HEAD FOR HIGHER GROUND!
What If It’s Too Late?
Hold on for dear life – Grab on to something, whether it’s detached roofing, a car or even a tree – Hold On! This will keep you from being swept away by sea-water and debris. If you’re in a car when the tsunami hits, and can’t avoid the wave – stay buckled in and your windows up. After the jostling has stopped and if your car starts to sink, open the windows and leave the car immediately.
Scuba Diving?
If you’ve had the misfortune to be underwater during a tsunami, don’t lose hope just yet. Important signs to look out for would be erratic behaviour of fish and coral, visibility dropping followed by very rough currents. Your best bet would be to hold on to something – your diving buddy, a rock, a buoy line – until the ocean calms down.
At Sea?
If you’re in a boat, try to get to the deepest part of the ocean – a depth of 45m or more. Tsunami waves become stronger when they get closer to the shore. If you’re out surfing, trying to catch a tsunami definitely won’t be gnarly. If you’re closer to the shore, paddle towards land and head for higher ground. If you feel you won’t make it in time, aim for the horizon – paddle out into the sea and hold on to your surfboard.
AFTER
- Continue staying tuned in to a weather radio/ Coast Guard emergency frequency station/ local radio or television station to stay updated on emergency information
- Return home only AFTER you’ve been given the go ahead by local officials.
- Help those who need special assistance.
- Check for injuries and seek first aid for yourself first before moving to help out.
- If someone is trapped and needs rescuing, inform the professionals. You might do more harm than good without the right equipment and expertise.
- Wear protective clothing when cleaning up.
- Do not be on the phone unnecessarily – use it only for emergency calls.
- Stay out of buildings surrounded by water – structural integrity may be compromised.
- Keep an eye on your pets and keep them close.
