Preparedness is the most beneficial practice for tsunami survival. Tsunamis often come with very little warning. These types of waves have the potential to travel far distances, with their momentum building under the surface of the water until they near the shore. For this reason, many boats on the sea are unaware of them passing underneath. Tsunamis are not a single large wall of water that laps onto the shore and recedes. A tsunami is actually a series of very powerful and large waves, but their undercurrent is often more damaging than the waves themselves. When they hit the shoreline, tsunamis have the potential to kill people and destroy buildings and personal belongings, flooding the streets and cities for weeks. Tsunamis are most common in areas that see several earthquakes, above or below-water volcanic activity or landslides. There are several tips to preparing for tsunamis:
•Contact the local Red Cross Chapter, asking if the area is in a tsunami danger or risk zone. This will be based on location and elevation. This is a very important factor that should not be overlooked by those who plan to move to shoreline areas; it is also beneficial information for visitors to these areas. A large portion of tsunami victims are visitors who are unaware of the danger or what to do when these waves strike.
•Purchase flood insurance. These three words are some of the most valuable advice offered to anyone living in a tsunami danger zone. Reviewing the flood insurance details before purchasing is advised, as some companies have very limited criteria as to what is covered. Purchase a plan from a reputable and well-known company. People who own boats or other water-craft should purchase insurance for those items. Larger boats or yachts will require their own private insurance policy, separate from a home insurance policy. Although it may seem excessive, water damage insurance for cars and vehicles is also necessary. Many people fail to purchase this type of insurance – when the tsunami hits, they must pay out of pocket for the loss of their vehicle. Some insurance companies include water or flood damage; this is important to read before buying separate policies.
•Form an emergency evacuation and disaster plan. Families should make a plan together for a safe evacuation route and meeting place, should the event of a tsunami occur while the family is apart. Having a kit with water and dried foods, enough to last five days, is also a good idea. The items should be placed in an airtight container, if possible the container should be a floating device also. Tsunamis often destroy water systems, yielding unsafe drinking water, so this is especially important. Dried food will last longer and may be eaten in small amounts; combined with the water, it will expand in the stomach and last longer, but takes up less storage room while it is dry. This emergency nutrition kit will suffice until Red Cross help is available.
•Make an evacuation plan for other locations, such as work, the gym, the beach or frequented spots. Schools and workplaces are the areas where people spend most of their time away from home, so it is important to be familiar with locations of emergency supplies there and the evacuation plans.
•Those who plan frequent boating trips or activities should be aware that harbors and bays are more dangerous than deeper waters during a tsunami. It is best to be out of a boat during this time, if possible, but those who have no choice should seek deeper waters and ensure that ample life rafts and survival supplies are available. Knowing how to swim is very important.
People who live in areas where tsunamis are possible should always exercise preparedness, even if the area hasn’t had a tsunami. Areas that are experiencing the first tsunami in decades still have little warning time before they strike. Rushing to purchase supplies as soon as a warning is posted is not a good idea. At that time, people panic and chaos often erupts, making trips to the stores. Thousands of people are caught off guard while out traveling or shopping for last-second supplies. This is why being prepared is crucial.