Preparing
for TSUNAMIS
A tsunami is
a series of waves that may be dangerous and destructive. When
you hear a tsunami warning, move at once to higher ground and
stay there until local authorities say it is safe to return
home.
BEFORE
Find out if
your home is in a danger area.
Know the height of your street above sea level and the
distance of your street from the coast. Evacuation orders
may be based on these numbers.
Be familiar
with the tsunami warning signs.
Because tsunamis can be caused by an underwater disturbance
or an earthquake, people living along the coast should
consider an earthquake or a sizable ground rumbling as
a warning signal. A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal
waters is also a sign that a tsunami is approaching.
Make sure all
family members know how to respond to a tsunami.
Make evacuation
plans.
Pick an inland location that is elevated. After an earthquake
or other natural disaster, roads in and out of the vicinity
may be blocked, so pick more than one evacuation route.
Teach family
members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Teach children
how and when to call 9-1-1, police or fire department, and
which radio station to listen for official information.
Have disaster
supplies on hand.
- Flashlight
and extra batteries
- Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid
kit and manual
- Emergency
food and water
- Nonelectric
can opener
- Essential
medicines
- Cash and
credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
Develop an
emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during
a tsunami (a real possibility during the day when adults
are at work and children are at school), have a plan for
getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state
relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After
a disaster, often it's easier to call long distance. Make sure
everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact
person.
Contact your
local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter
for more information on tsunamis.
DURING
Listen to a
radio or television to get the latest emergency information,
and be ready to evacuate if asked to do so.
If you hear
an official tsunami warning or detect signs of a tsunami, evacuate
at once. Climb to higher ground. A tsunami warning is issued
when authorities are certain that a tsunami threat exists.
Stay away from
the beach.
Never go down to the beach to watch a tsunami come in.
If you can see the wave you are too close to escape it.
Return home
only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.
A tsunami is a series of waves. Do not assume that one
wave means that the danger over. The next wave may be larger
than the first one. Stay out of the area.
AFTER
Stay tuned
to a battery-operated radio for the latest emergency information.
Help injured
or trapped persons.
Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously
injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of
further injury. Call for help.
Remember to
help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,
elderly people, and people with disabilities.
Stay out of
damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it
is safe.
Enter your
home with caution.
Use a flashlight when entering damaged buildings. Check
for electrical shorts and live wires. Do not use appliances
or lights until an electrician has checked the electrical
system.
Open windows
and doors to help dry the building.
Shovel mud
while it is still moist to give walls and floors an opportunity
to dry.
Check food
supplies and test drinking water.
Fresh food
that has come in contact with flood waters may be contaminated
and should be thrown out. Have tap water tested by the local
health department.
INSPECTING
UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME
Check for gas
leaks--If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise,
open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the
gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company
from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason,
it must be turned back on by a professional.
Look for electrical
system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires,
or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at
the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in
water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician
first for advice.
Check for sewage
and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged,
avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are
damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from
the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
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