How to Protect Yourself From a Tsunami

Tsunamis are terrifying but relatively rare natural disasters that send large tidal waves crashing onto land, potentially destroying everything in its path. Much larger than normal waves, tidal waves from a tsunami can reach 100 feet in height and move at over 400 miles per hour. Tsunamis are nearly always caused by earthquakes or other tectonic disturbances. People who live on oceanic coasts and islands must be aware of potential tsunamis and be prepared to protect themselves if one should strike.

Instructions

• 1

  Create an emergency evacuation suitcase or backpack for each member of your family. The bag should contain at least one gallon of bottled water, enough food for 3 to 5 days, a flashlight with batteries, a change of clothes, waterproof matches, a knife and emergency blankets. You should also have at least one solar powered or hand-crank weather radio, a first aid kit and cooking gear.

• 2

  Create an emergency evacuation plan and discuss the possibility of tsunamis with your family and children. Practice the route inland or to high ground at least once a year so that you are familiar with the route.

• 3

  Learn the warning signs of tsunamis. Major earthquakes in the ocean generally signal potential danger for nearby islands and coastal regions. Before a tsunami hits, the ocean recedes along beaches and coasts, sometimes drastically, as the water moves together to form the destructive waves. When water recedes quickly from the coast, this usually indicates that you have roughly 5 minutes before the tsunami hits land.

• 4

  Pay attention to governmental weather warnings and emergency broadcasts whenever possible. Frequently, weather services can signal warnings and alerts far enough in advances for you to protect yourself. Tsunami warnings indicate that one is likely to strike.

• 5

  Move to high ground if a tsunami is coming. Even if there is no official warning, a tsunami is likely with an earthquake lasting longer than 20 seconds. Bring your emergency supply kit if possible. If you are not at home when a warning sounds, don't worry about your bags. If there is no high ground, move as far inland as possible. Many coastal areas have high-rise concrete buildings like hotels that can provide some shelter from tsunamis. Stay away from rivers and streams as tsunamis can follow them inland without losing much power.

• 6

  Stay on higher ground or far inland until all waves have stopped. Tsunamis generally have more than one large wave and the first is not always the most damaging. Wait until the government issues an all-clear signal or waves have stopped.