| Tsunamis used to be the stuff of movies and until | | | | evacuate early. You might also want to prepare |
| it's devastation in Asia, most people didn't think it | | | | your pets for moving, so bring emergency |
| was possible for tsunamis to occur in that | | | | supplies for them as well. |
| magnitude. With that realization, people have | | | | Check your emergency supply kits and bring |
| become aware of the risk and possible | | | | them with you. It would be a good idea if they |
| consequences of this natural calamity. | | | | had been regularly restocked but if not, take |
| What is a tsunami? Tsunamis are not caused by | | | | what you can or get what is needed if you still |
| strong winds but by tectonic displacements | | | | have the time and opportunity. Otherwise, opt to |
| (earthquakes, volcano eruptions, landslides) that | | | | get water, food and extra clothes instead. |
| occur on the seafloor. Earthquakes that produce | | | | You might want to secure your house, but |
| tsunamis are those that reach 6.5 or more on the | | | | remember that this is the last priority. Your life |
| Richter scale. The average speed of the waves is | | | | and that of your family's are the most important |
| 300 mph and can last from 5 minutes to an | | | | considerations during a tsunami emergency. |
| hour. | | | | Expect items in your house to be swept away |
| In open sea, tsunamis usually go unnoticed, having | | | | and if you could still secure them, do so. |
| amplitudes of just 1 meter or even less. | | | | Tsunami watch vs. tsunami warning A tsunami |
| However, in some situations, waves that enter | | | | watch is different from a tsunami warning. A |
| shallow water can swell to several feet and in | | | | tsunami watch means that the presence of a |
| some rare cases, rise high enough to strike | | | | dangerous tsunami is not yet confirmed or |
| coastal areas with terrible force. | | | | verified, although it is possible there is one. It also |
| Who's at risk? People who live in coastal areas | | | | includes predictions on what time the tsunami is |
| located along or near the Pacific Ocean are most | | | | expected and where it will possibly strike. |
| prone to tsunamis. This area is most vulnerable | | | | A tsunami warning means that there is a |
| because of seismic activity in what is called the | | | | confirmed tsunami in your area and it could be |
| Ring of Fire. It has also occurred in Puerto Rico, | | | | close. The warning will include the time at which |
| Alaska, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. | | | | the tsunami is expected and which areas are |
| What to do in a tsunami emergency When a | | | | affected. |
| strong earthquake is felt, leave the water | | | | As a last emergency tip... If you find yourself |
| immediately, get to shore and go as far away as | | | | under the mercy of an incoming wave, climb onto |
| you can from the beach, fast. If your location | | | | the rooftop of your house or on the highest point |
| allows it, go to a higher ground. If the area you | | | | of the nearest structure and brace yourself. Hold |
| are in is mostly flat, go as far inland as you can. If | | | | on tightly to anything that's strong and stable |
| you can spot the wave, you are too close to | | | | enough. Climb a tree if you have to and don't let |
| escape it, regardless of its apparent distance. | | | | go. |
| Tune in to your local radio station, the weather | | | | If you're already in the water, grab a floating |
| radio or turn on the TV for news and updates. | | | | object that can hold your weight and hold onto it |
| They will inform you if there is a tsunami watch | | | | until you can reach stable ground or when help is |
| or warning issued in your area and where the | | | | available. Grab onto anything that is firm and |
| emergency centers are. | | | | strive to get out of the water as much as |
| Locate all members of your family and make | | | | possible. The current will be strong and there |
| sure everyone is informed. Agree on a place to | | | | could be heavy and sharp debris in the water that |
| meet in case you're not together and make sure | | | | could crash into you. |
| it's safe and as far away from the shore as | | | | Tsunamis, like most things nature produces, are |
| possible. | | | | uncontrollable. The only advantage is that they do |
| If you have family members who have special | | | | come with a warning (a strong earthquake). The |
| needs like elderly people, small children or infants | | | | only way to survive it is to be prepared, be |
| and those with disabilities, you might want to | | | | ready to go and to keep your wits about you. |