Tsunamis are extremely large ocean waves primarily caused by large earthquakes, and depending on the location of the epicenter of the quake, can reach and devastate coastal areas within a matter of minutes. As the large waves enter shallower depths, they rise in height and strike inland with tremendous destructive force. If you live near a coastline in an earthquake prone area, knowing how to survive a tsunami may be an important survival skill.
If you are near a coastal area and experience a strong earthquake, you may only have a few minutes before a potential tsunami strike. Don’t wait for official notice from the government or media, as they may not be aware of the danger in time to provide adequate warning. After the shaking from a large quake has subsided, immediately move inland, away from the ocean and any streams or rivers (as tsunamis can travel up these), and head for the highest ground you can reach within a brief period of time.
Once you are well away from the danger posed by bodies of water, try to find more information via TV, radio, or (if you have a smartphone with you and service has not been interrupted by the quake) online. NOAA Weather Radio will provide information from tsunami warning networks which may contain instructions for further advisable action.
Tsunami alerts will take the form of either a warning or a watch. A tsunami warning is issued whenever an earthquake occurs in the right place and of the right size to potentially create a tsunami. Warnings may include information such as possible times that a tsunami may strike in various coastal areas, which is determined by the greatest distance a tsunami could possibly travel within the specified time period. A tsunami watch indicates that a tsunami has not been verified, but conditions that could create a tsunami exist, and any possible tsunami may be as little as an hour away.
As with most disaster or survival preparation, the time to make ready is before the event happens. Well in advance, check and maintain a disaster survival kit to restock or replace any needed supplies. Formulate an evacuation plan that takes into account everyone and everything you would need to take with you, and make sure everyone in your group is familiar with the plan ahead of time. In the event of a possible tsunami, locate your family and loved ones immediately, communicate the situation to them, and move out.
To your survival,
Joseph Wilkinson
