Safety first for tsunamis 2

Safety first for tsunamis 2

Tsunamis are among the most powerful and destructive natural disasters on Earth. Caused primarily by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, tsunamis can travel across oceans at jet-like speeds and strike coastlines with little warning. Preparedness saves lives. This high‑value guide covers everything you need to know to stay safe before, during, and after a tsunami.

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What Is a Tsunami?

A tsunami is not a single wave, but a series of fast-moving ocean waves that grow dramatically in height as they approach shallow coastal waters. Unlike normal waves, tsunamis can flood far inland, destroy buildings, and carry heavy debris.

Key facts:

• Can travel over 800 km/h (500 mph) in deep ocean

• May arrive as multiple waves over several hours

• The first wave is not always the largest

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Natural Warning Signs You Must Never Ignore

If you are near the coast, do not wait for official alerts if you observe:

• 🌍 Strong or long-lasting earthquake

• 🌊 Sudden sea level drop or rapid rise

• 🔊 Loud ocean roar, similar to a train or jet

👉 If you notice any of these signs, evacuate immediately to higher ground.

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Tsunami Preparedness: What to Do Before One Strikes

1. Know Your Risk

• Determine if you live, work, or vacation in a tsunami hazard zone

• Learn local evacuation routes and shelters

2. Create a Family Emergency Plan

• Identify safe meeting points

• Designate an out‑of‑area emergency contact

• Plan for children, elderly family members, and pets

3. Prepare an Emergency Go‑Bag

Include:

• Water (3 days minimum)

• Non‑perishable food

• First‑aid kit

• Flashlight and batteries

• Whistle

• Copies of important documents

• Power bank or radio

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What to Do During a Tsunami

If You Feel an Earthquake Near the Coast

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On during shaking

2. As soon as shaking stops, evacuate immediately

3. Move inland or uphill (at least 30 meters / 100 feet above sea level)

If an Official Warning Is Issued

• Follow instructions from authorities

• Do NOT go to the shore to watch waves

• Avoid bridges, rivers, and low‑lying areas

🚫 Never assume you are safe after one wave — more may follow.

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What to Do If You Are Caught in a Tsunami

• Grab onto floating debris if swept into water

• Protect your head and neck

• If in a building and unable to evacuate, move to the highest level

Survival chances increase significantly by moving upward and staying calm.

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After the Tsunami: Staying Safe

• Stay away until authorities declare it safe

• Avoid floodwaters (may contain debris, chemicals, or live wires)

• Check for injuries and provide first aid

• Use text messages instead of calls to reduce network congestion

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Tsunami Safety for Coastal Communities

Communities can reduce risk by:

• Installing early warning systems

• Conducting evacuation drills

• Protecting natural barriers like mangroves and coral reefs

• Enforcing coastal zoning and resilient building design

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Final Thoughts: Preparedness Is Power

Tsunamis cannot be prevented, but their impact can be reduced. Knowledge, planning, and quick action are the difference between life and loss. Share this information with your family and community — because when it comes to tsunamis, safety must always come first.

OTHER SOURCES

If you are on a boat:

Keep in contact with the authorities should a forced movement of vessel be directed.
If you are aware there is a tsunami warning and you have time to move your vessel to deep water, then you may want to do so in an orderly manner, in consideration of other vessels. 

Owners of small boats may find it safest to leave their boat at the pier and physically move to higher ground, particularly in the event of a locally-generated tsunami. 

Concurrent severe weather conditions (rough seas outside of safe harbor) could present a greater hazardous situation to small boats, so physically moving yourself to higher ground may be the only option.
Damaging wave activity and unpredictable currents can effect harbors for a period of time following the initial tsunami impact on the coast. 

Contact the harbor authority before returning to port making sure to verify that conditions in the harbor are safe for navigation and berthing.

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