Tsunamis are enormous waves created by the significant earthquakes that occur on the ocean floor. These giant waves can reach the shoreline within a very short amount of time, traveling hundreds of miles per hour and causing terrible damage to the shoreline and ruining the lives and property of all those inhabiting the bicoastal areas of the seashore. The imminent danger for the possibility of a tsunami can stay in the high risk area for hours after an earthquake occurs. Through an advancement of modern technology, the warning systems and protocol for evacuation methods is continually improving. The International Tsunami Warning System assists by monitoring the instances of these gigantic waves and will respond by sending out a warning to a series of authorities who can implement an evacuation plan, or issue a warning and notify nearby civilians on how they should respond quickly and efficiently. While these improved methods of forewarning and notification are recurrently improving, it is still vital to have your own plan of action and disaster emergency plan available. Gathering family members and going over evacuations plans, containing property, packing an emergency evacuation kit, and being knowledgeable about the instances of tsunamis within your specific area are all components of setting up a successful plan in dealing with the probability of a tsunami disaster. Not only are tsunamis dangerous, but they can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage. Tsunamis can occur at any time, during any season and during any portion of the year, day or night. Do not wait to set up a plan. Following these simple plans of action can save your life, keep your family members safe and save you costly property destruction.
Your emergency Tsunami plan should include the following plans of action:
• Format a plan on how you should immediately respond to a tsunami warning. Use common sense. Should you or your family feel any kind of significant shaking, assume the worst: it is an earthquake, which means a tsunami could follow shortly. Move away from the water toward high ground. Forms plans and meet with family members to designate a meeting sport should you become separated. Once you have moved to higher ground, and have all family accounted for, listen to a local radio station, or contact the National Weather Department to check and see if a tsunami warning has been issued. It is better to be safe than sorry.
• Have an emergency pack ready in case you need extra supplies. You may be displaced from your home and supplies should an evacuation be called, thus you will need to have clothing, food, water, important family documents, batteries, a battery powered radio, a flashlight and blankets for warmth.
• Be aware of local community establishments that may pose a risk for tsunamis and help family members plan accordingly: schools, or places of business and be aware of the change in location, formatting evacuations plan for these places as well as your own home. Tsunamis will not wait to strike until you are all together and gathered in one central location. Be prepared!
• Make arrangements to meet with your local home insurance agent. In most home insurance plans, flooding is not a covered insurance disaster, so, make sure you have this added to your insurance plan to ensure all your belongs are actively covered. If you are a renter, consider added renters insurance. This would help offer protection to your belongings.
• If you happen to be visiting an area where tsunamis are a risk, be sure to check with your travel agent, hotel concierge, or family member regarding the evacuation policies and make arrangements to have a short-term disaster plan available should you need one.
• Only consider moving your boat and family into deeper waters if there time. If you are unsure about the arrival time of the tsunami, just move to higher ground.
• Use your battery powered radio to monitor the NOAA Weather radio. This station will offer the most comprehensive information and advice for tsunami emergencies.
• Have a meeting about turning off utility mains. When the danger of a tsunami arrives, you must turn off breakers and gas switches in order to further protect your home. Involve family members old enough to be able to help and make it a group effort, allowing you to evacuate the premises faster if needed.
While tsunami disasters can never be fully prevented, forming an action plan and understanding as much about tsunamis as you can will always be a better alternative, can save lives and protect property. Have monthly meetings and go over evacuation plans, nearby shelters, family meeting points and other important information. While it may seem like this additional planning is a waste of time, in the long run, it can offer lifesaving precautions and protect your loved ones