TSUNAMIS
"NASA's photo"
Tsunamis are large ocean waves generated by major earthquakes beneath the ocean floor or major landslides into the ocean. Rising to several feet or higher, they can strike the coast with devastating force. People on beaches or in low coastal areas, such as estuaries and rivers, need to be aware that a tsunami could arrive within minutes of a severe earthquake – and the danger period can continue for many hours. Tsunamis can occur any time of year, day or night.
Top Tips:-
To escape a tsunami, go as high and as far as you can – ideally to a spot 100 feet above sea level or 2 miles away.
Every foot inland or upward may make a difference!
If you can see the wave, you are too close for safety.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A TSUNAMI
Protecting your family
Talk about tsunamis with your family so that everyone knows what to do in a tsunami situation. Discussing ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for younger children.
Check at your workplace and your children's schools and day care centers to learn if they are in a tsunami hazard area or inundation zone. Learn about their evacuation plans, especially the designated spot where you will pick up your children.
Plan evacuation routes from your home, school, workplace and other places you could be where tsunamis present a risk.
If possible try to pick areas 100 feet above sea level or 2 miles inland.
If you cannot get that high or far, go as high or far as you can. Every foot inland or upward may make a difference. You should be able to reach the highest ground possible on foot within 15 minutes.
Protecting your home
Avoid building or living in buildings within several hundred feet of the coastline. These areas are more likely to experience damage from tsunamis, strong winds, or coastal storms.
If you do live in a coastal area, elevate your home to help reduce damage. Most tsunami waves are less than 10 feet (3 meters).
Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a tsunami watch or warning being issued for your area. But remember, you may need to evacuate immediately – don’t risk your safety to save your belongings.
SURVIVE DURING: -
If you are in a tsunami area and there is an earthquake, then first protect yourself from the earthquake. Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Crawl only if you can reach better cover, but do not go through an area with more debris.
When the shaking stops, if there are natural signs or official warnings of a tsunami, then move immediately to a safe place as high and as far inland as possible.
If you are outside of the tsunami hazard zone and receive a warning, then stay where you are unless officials tell you otherwise.
Leave immediately if you are told to do so. Evacuation routes are often marked by a wave with an arrow in the direction of higher ground.
If you are in the water, then grab onto something that floats, such as a raft, tree trunk, or door.
If you are in a boat, then face the direction of the waves and head out to sea. If you are in a harbor, then go inland.
Take your emergency preparedness kit. Having supplies will make you more comfortable during the evacuation.
BE SAFE AFTER: -
Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris. Water may be deeper than it appears.
Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Underground or downed power lines can electrically charge water. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
Stay away from damaged buildings, roads, and bridges.
Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and put you at further risk from the residual effects of the tsunami, such as contaminated water, crumbled roads, landslides, mudflows, and other hazards.
Stay out of damaged buildings and those surrounded by water. Tsunami water, like floodwater, can undermine foundations, causing buildings to sink, floors to crack, or walls to collapse
Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone outside quickly. Turn off the gas using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor's home.