Preparedness Guide

Tsunamis are generated by major earthquakes beneath the ocean floor. When waves enter the shallow water they gain height of several feet striking land with tragic and overwhelming forces. The rate at which a tsunami can occur happens to be just minutes in regards to sparing your life after a severe earthquake and the duration of danger can last for many hours. Tsunamis are known for striking anytime, and during any season. One of the deadliest tsunamis occurred in 2004, killing over 300,000 people in eleven different countries across the Indian Ocean. Before that, tsunamis have made this much of an impact going all the way back to B.C.E.

What to do to prepare Be familiar with evacuation routes. Know the safe areas and how to locate them Practice evacuation routes. It is important to know whether the area you are in is in a hazard zone. Prepare emergency kits. Kits need to be substantial for at least three days. Stay away from the beach as this is where the most devastation will occur. Natures warning for tsunamis comes in the form of a noticeable recession of water away from the shore line. Move to higher ground immediately. The rate at which a tsunami will and can occur may not give sufficient time for even quick decisions. Tourists should familiarize themselves with the area if they know they are in a high risk tsunami area.

During a tsunami Stay inland at higher ground. Being able to see a wave may mean you are too close to outrun it. Take pets with you; they are not sustainable to the flood. Listen to local or Coast Guard frequency stations to hear what is going on for any updates. Wait for an all clear so that you know it is safe to retreat back to coast.

After a tsunami Stay clear from flooded areas to avoid down power lines until you are told it is safe. Make sure you are safe first; all possessions come last or not at all. Throw away any food that has been contaminated by water. When convenient give first aid to those in need and help those trapped or injured. The exception to this is for those who are seriously injured. If they are in immediate danger and you are capable of helping, do so, if not call out for assistance. Tsunami waters can and may cause a building to collapse. Stay clear of all flooded buildings. Register with a program, like the American Red Cross Safe and Well site to let loved ones know you are okay.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why are tsunamis so dangerous? -In the ocean, a tsunami can travel up to 500 mph. Once on land they slow down drastically, but at 35 mph a lot more than a human can outrun. Their wavelengths can reach up to over 100 miles, when the waves are slowing down, it allows for other waves to build on to it creating a towering affect by the time it hits land. The energy and speed the tsunami builds is destructive to everything in its path. It is important to remember that although the time between each wave may lapse, it is not safe until and all clear is called.

2. How long does a tsunami last when it occurs -Tsunamis cannot generally be judged on a time scale. In most cases they can last hours. In other cases, large tsunamis have been known to continue for a few days.

3. Can tsunamis be predicted? -Tsunamis cannot be predicted in the sense that we can tell exactly when one is coming like we can for other disasters. When a large earthquake occurs, computer modeling can forecast arrival times and wave heights of a possible tsunami.

National Telephone Numbers and Websites

National Tsunami Warning Center 907-745-4212 Pacific Tsunami Warning Center 1808-689-8207 Ready.gov 800-621-FEMA (3362) National Weather Service 684-699-6481 Safe In The Sound 1800-733-2767 (RED CROSS)