A tsunami is a series of destructive and dangerous waves usually triggered by earthquakes and seismic activity on the ocean floor. If you live in a tsunami-prone area, make sure you know what to do when a tsunami occurs. This article includes some steps for responding to a tsunami and surviving when you are in danger.
Step
Part 1 of 11: Evacuate yourself by walking or running if possible
Step 1. Bridges and roads may be damaged or blocked after an earthquake occurs
Immediately move on foot or run, both when an official tsunami warning is issued and after an earthquake occurs. Walk or run to a safe place so you don't get trapped in your car in a dangerous location.
Stay away from roads, bridges, or buildings that are damaged and could collapse. As much as possible, walk to an open area to be safer
Part 2 of 11: Follow the tsunami evacuation route signs
Step 1. Areas prone to tsunamis usually have markers that can direct you to a safer place
Look for and look for signs in white and blue with the words “tsunami evacuation route” or something similar. Use these signs to guide you to safer inland areas and away from dangerous areas.
These signs usually feature arrows indicating the direction of motion. Otherwise, simply move from one sign to another until you see a sign indicating that you are outside the tsunami evacuation zone (or arrived at a safe zone)
Part 3 of 11: Go to higher ground
Step 1. Higher ground or areas are the safest places to go during a tsunami
If an earthquake occurs and you live in a tsunami prone area, don't wait until an official tsunami warning is issued! Once the earthquake has stopped and you are safe to move, go to higher ground or areas as soon as possible to avoid danger.
If you do not live in a tsunami prone area, you do not need to evacuate to higher ground or areas after the earthquake. Stay where you are, unless emergency personnel or services instruct you to leave the occupied area
Part 4 of 11: Climb to the roof or the top of the building if you get stuck
Step 1. Sometimes, you don't have time to evacuate yourself
If you don't have time to evacuate and head to higher ground, head up to the third (or higher) floor of a sturdy building. To make it even better, try climbing to the highest roof of the most sturdy building in existence. Rather than nothing, both options are definitely better!
- If you are in a coastal area, there may be a tall tsunami evacuation tower. Look for the evacuation route sign and follow the directions shown to get to the tower, then climb the tower.
- As a last resort if you can't get into buildings or go to higher ground, climb a tall, sturdy tree.
Part 5 of 11: Go as far as possible inland or inland
Step 1. The further you are from the coast, the safer you will be
As much as possible, go to an elevated area away from the coast. If there is no high area, just go to the furthest inland area.
Sometimes, tsunami waves can sweep land within 16 kilometers. However, the shape and slope of the coastline affect the sweep distance of the tsunami waves
Part 6 of 11: Hold on to a floating object if you are dragged by the water
Step 1. This item can keep you safe if you are hit or swept away by a tsunami wave
Look for a sturdy object such as a tree, a door, or an inflatable boat. Hold on to the object firmly as you are carried away by the waves.
Even if it's difficult, try not to swallow the water. Tsunami waves carry chemicals and impurities that are harmful to your health
Part 7 of 11: Go out to sea if you are on a boat
Step 1. If you are in the middle of the ocean when the tsunami waves form, moving away from land is actually a safer option
Point your boat or boat out to sea and face the waves, then stay as far away as possible. Do not return to land or piers if a tsunami warning is issued.
- Tsunami activity triggers dangerous currents and rising water levels in coastal areas that can sink your boat or boat.
- If you are already anchored and at the dock, get out of the boat or boat and head for the outback as soon as possible to save yourself.
Part 8 of 11: Stay in a safe place for at least eight hours
Step 1. Tsunami activity can last as long as eight hours, or longer
Avoid coastal areas and stay at higher altitudes during this time to keep yourself safe. Listen to warnings or announcements from the authorities and only move or leave when conditions are said to be safe. The authorities know the best course of action that can be taken.
You may feel depressed and anxious about the condition of your loved ones, but it is very important that you stay where you are and stay calm. Don't put yourself in a risky situation just for the sake of meeting someone elsewhere
Section 9 of 11: Observe warning signs in coastal or marine areas
Step 1. There are some natural warnings shown at sea or coast before the tsunami occurs
Listen to the roaring sound coming from the sea. Observe whether the sea level is lower than usual (or conversely, rising drastically).
- These conditions usually occur after a major earthquake, but you may not feel it if the epicenter is far out in the middle of the ocean. However, it's a good idea to always be aware of your surroundings if you live in a coastal area or a tsunami-prone area!
- In addition, it is important that you know the signs of an impending tsunami if you are a surfer. If you're surfing at the beach and see any of these signs, get ashore as soon as possible and evacuate yourself. If you're surfing in deeper water, move as far out to sea as possible.
Part 10 of 11: Listen to emergency warnings and information issued
Step 1. Management or emergency services can provide recommendations for safety measures when a tsunami occurs
Follow the emergency warning program in your city or country to receive tsunami warnings or other information via mobile (eg you can follow the BMKG Twitter account and turn on tweet notifications). Listen to local radio broadcasts or watch the news to find out if there is a risk of a tsunami after an earthquake occurs.
- If you are unsure of the emergency alert system in your city or area, try calling the police (non-emergency) telephone service or local government and ask them for information.
- Always follow the instructions of the emergency services in the event of a tsunami. They can provide the best steps or information for your security.
- You can also find out whether conditions are safe enough to return home after the tsunami through the notification or warning issued.
Part 11 of 11: Avoid falling power poles
Step 1. Damaged or collapsed power lines can still supply electricity to the water
Beware of fallen power lines or other damaged electrical equipment as you walk home or to a shelter after the tsunami has ended. Stay away from any electrical device or equipment you see and do not step on or walk through water that has come into contact with the equipment to keep yourself safe!
