Tsunami Survival

Tsunami survival is based on warning and evacuation. You can survive a tsunami even if the wave hits you but many will die. The impact is too great and devastating to risk it. So if you live in a coastal area you should be prepared to evacuate at any time.

The displacement of water causes long waves that travel about 450 miles per hour (and up to 600 MPH). If you're on a ship in the middle of the ocean the wave could go right underneath you without you noticing a thing. From the air it would not be noticeable either. So detection can be difficult.

When the wave comes upon shallow land, it slows down and rises up. Several waves will be created, often hours apart. Don't assume that because the first wave was small that the others won't be devastating. They can wreak havoc, destroy property, cause flooding, and hurt many people and animals.

Most people who die will drown. Others will avoid drowning but be hurt by the pounding of the wave or the accompanying debris. Still others will be affected by the resultant flood and the problems that arise from that. Animals are also at high risk, so pets need to move with the family.

Tsunami Survival Preparation
The key to tsunami survival is evacuating the coastland before the waves hit, and staying away until the coast is clear. So you should plan a place to evacuate to and familiarize yourself with the route. You want to move to higher ground that is at least 50 feet above sea level, and preferably 100 feet. It should also be 2 miles away from the coastline.

Before you have to deal with a tsunami you should find out the elevation and distance from the shore that your home sits at. You should also learn the same information on your workplace and your children's schools. The school should have an evacuation program, and you will want to familiarize yourself their procedures and develop a family plan that will work with them.

As always, be prepared with a survival kit and first aid kit. A portable NOAA weather radio is also highly desirable when it comes to tsunami survival. You will want to take these items with you when you evacuate, so they should be in a backpack or other bag.

You will also want to check with your insurance rep for flood insurance. Your regular homeowners policy will not cover a tsunami, so prepare yourself in this way too.

Tsunami Survival
As was mentioned above an earthquake is the most common cause of a tsunami. If you feel an earthquake locally, you should first wait out the shaking. Once that has stopped immediately evacuate. A local tsunami could hit within minutes so you must move fast.

Anytime an earthquake's epicenter is in the water or close to the body of water that you live near you need to be aware. For example, in 1946 an earthquake off the coast of Alaska hit with a 7.1 magnitude on the Richter Scale. A resultant tsunami hit Hawaii about 5 hours later with waves over 30 feet high. 159 people died.

Hawaii is the most susceptible U.S. state. The state and local governments are well prepared and tsunami survival instruction is a priority. However, tourists are generally unprepared and will likely be the most impacted. The Pacific Coast states are the next most vulnerable states, but any ocean coastline can be the focus of the next tsunami.

If you hear of a major earthquake with its epicenter in your respective body of water, then you need to be on alert. If the news reports a magnitude greater than 6.5 you are at risk. Continue to watch the news and turn on your NOAA radio.

If you happen to be on a boat do not stay in the harbor. Move out past the breakers and do not attempt to save people on shore. There may be a lull between waves, but there is no way to time the next one. If you stay far enough out the wave will pass under you and cause you no harm.

Do be vigilant to see if there are victims you can help. Keep your first aid kit handy. But don't let your guard down against further waves. Keep your NOAA radio on and your ears and eyes open.

Tsunami survival involves everyone, so be sure to grab your family and pets. Alert neighbors on your way out. Help those with mobility problems.

Tsunami Survival Terminology
Tsunami Advisory
An earthquake has hit and a tsunami is a potential result. Get your family together and make sure you are ready to evacuate.

Tsunami Watch
A tsunami may be on its way, but it is at least 2 hours from your area. Although many advise you prepare for evacuation at this time, we recommend that you actually leave - evacuate now. If you wait for an official evacuation order you might not be able to get to safety in time. Imagine the congestion of everyone in your neighborhood trying to leave at the same time.

Tsunami Warning
Officials are certain that a tsunami has been created and that it will hit. Leave immediately! Governments are reluctant to issue a tsunami warning unless they are really sure about it, because they fear the loss of confidence should it be a false alarm as well as the financial impact of an evacuation. Keep in mind that a tsunami may devastate one beach and not harm the next, so lack of impact does not mean the safety officials were wrong.

Returning Home After the Tsunami
If your home has flooded or been damaged by the tsunami do not return to it until officials declare it safe. Tsunami survival includes the clean up after the waves are long gone. You should not touch debris either as it may be unsafe.

Even after you receive word that you can return be sure to take precaution when entering a building. The foundation and walls may have sustained damage that is unapparent at first. Your home could still collapse or sink in the ground.

You should do a careful inspection of your house both inside and out. Use a flashlight. Check the walls, ceiling, and foundation for cracks. Open and shut all the doors and windows to make sure they still sit properly.

Make sure that there are no problems with your water, electricity, or gas. If there is an issue, or you suspect one, turn it off and have an inspector look at it before restoring the utility. You should not drink the tap water until government officials give clearance.

Unless your home went untouched, you will want to follow general flood cleanup guidelines. Community efforts should be coordinated, so if your damage was minimal see how you can help others.

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