A tsunami is a series of waves that may be dangerous and destructive. When you hear a tsunami warning, move at once to higher ground and stay there until local authorities say it is safe to return home.
Before:
- Find out if your home is in a danger area.
- Know the elevation of your street above sea level and the distance of your street from the coast. Evacuation orders may be based on these numbers.
Be familiar with the tsunami warning signs:
- Because tsunamis can be caused by an underwater disturbance or an earthquake, people living along the coast should consider an earthquake or a sizable ground rumbling as a warning signal.
- A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is also a sign that a tsunami is approaching.
- Make sure all family members know how to respond to a tsunami and prepare evacuation plans.
- Pick an inland location that is elevated. After an earthquake or other natural disaster, roads in and out of the vicinity may be blocked, so pick more than one evacuation route.
- Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Have disaster supplies on hand:
- Flashlight & extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Sturdy shoes
- Essential medicines
- Cash & credit cards
- Develop an emergency plan
During:
- Listen to a radio or television to get the latest emergency information, and be ready to evacuate if asked to do so. If you hear an official tsunami warning or detect signs of a tsunami, evacuate at once. Climb to higher ground. A tsunami warning is issued when authorities arecertain that a tsunami threat exists.
- Stay away from the beach. Never go down to the beach to watch a tsunami come in. If you can see the wave you are too close to escape it.
- Return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.
- A tsunami is a series of waves. Do not assume that one wave means that the danger over. The next wave may be larger than the first one. Stay out of the area.
Teach children how and when to call 999 or 911, police or fire department, and which radio station to listen for official information.