Prepare Your Home and Family
Preparedness refers to activities we do prior to a tsunami to be ready to respond to and recover from significant tsunamis. When it comes to tsunamis, there are simple things you can do to improve the chances you and your loved ones will survive and recover. Anything you do today will be like making a deposit in your survivability savings account for withdrawal in tough times.
One of the first actions you can take to protect your family is to learn when there is potential for a tsunami. Fortunately, a few easily recognizable natural warning signs can help you understand that a tsunami is approaching. They include:
1. Strong, long-lasting ground shaking from an earthquake: if you are on the coast and there is an earthquake, it may have caused a tsunami nearby which could arrive at your location in as little as 5-10 minutes So escape immediately to higher ground or inland (avoiding river valleys). If you are in a tsunami zone marked by signs, follow posted signs to a safe area.
2. Unusual sea-level fluctuations: a noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is a sign that there may be a tsunami approaching. If you see the water draw out to sea quickly and unexpectedly from a beach exposing the ocean floor (the so-called drawback) or a sudden rise of the sea level, escape immediately to higher ground or inland (avoiding river valleys). If you are in a tsunami zone marked by signs, follow posted signs to a safe area.
3. Abnormally large wave: the first wave in a tsunami wave train is usually not the largest, so if you see an abnormally large wave, even bigger waves could be coming soon. Run immediately to higher ground or inland (avoiding river valleys). If you are in a tsunami zone marked by signs, follow posted signs to a safe area.
4. Loud ocean roar: if you hear a roaring sound offshore, similar to that of a train or jet aircraft, a tsunami may be approaching, so escape immediately to higher ground or inland (avoiding river valleys). If you are in a tsunami zone marked by signs, follow posted signs to a safe area.
If you area at risk for a tsunami, it is recommended you:
1. Plan an evacuation route from your home, school, workplace, or anywhere else you may go that is at risk, for a tsunami. You should be able to reach your safe location on foot within 15 minutes as roads may become impassible or blocked. Local emergency management officials can help advise you of the best route for safety and potential shelter locations.
2. Practice your evacuation route. Familiarity may save your life. Be able to follow your escape route at night and during inclement weather. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking during an actual emergency situation.
3. Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you informed of local watches and warnings. The tone alert feature will warn you of potential danger even if you are not currently listening to local radio or television stations.
4. Talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners' policies do not cover flooding from a tsunami. Ask about the National Flood Insurance Program.
5. Discuss tsunami with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing tsunamis ahead of time will help reduce fear and anxiety, and let everyone know how to respond. Review flood safety and preparedness measures with your family.
If your home is in or near a tsunami zone, you should be prepared to remain evacuated for at least three days (72 hours). Do not return to low-lying coastal areas after an initial tsunami wave has arrived as other waves or surges are likely to follow the first one and each wave cycle can last approximately 20-30 minutes. Dangerous tsunami wave activity can last for many hours and even days. Keep a disaster kit handy in your home, your car, and in your workplace.
For more information on how to prepare for tsunamis, visit our “Tools and Resources” Section.