A tsunami is a series of waves that may be
dangerous and destructive. When you hear a tsunami
warning, move at once to higher ground and stay
there until local authorities say it is safe
to return home.
Before
Find out if your home is in a danger area.
Know the height of your street above sea level
and the distance of your street from the coast.Evacuation
orders may be based on these numbers.
Be familiar with the tsunami warning signs.
Because tsunamis can be caused by an underwater
disturbance or an earthquake, people living
along the coast should consider an earthquake
or a sizable ground rumbling as a warning signal.
A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters
is also a sign that a tsunami is approaching.
Make sure all family members know how to respond
to a tsunami.
Make evacuation plans.
Pick an inland location that is elevated. After
an earthquake or other natural disaster, roads
in and out of the vicinity may be blocked, so
pick more than one evacuation route.
Teach family members how and when to turn off
gas, electricity, and water.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1,
police or fire department, and which radio station
to listen for official information.
Have disaster supplies on hand.
• Flashlight and extra
batteries • Portable, battery-operated
radio and extra batteries • First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and
water • Nonelectric can opener • Essential medicines • Cash and credit cards • Sturdy shoes
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one
another during a tsunami (a real possibility during
the day when adults are at work and children are
at school), have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to
serve as the "family contact." After
a disaster, often it's easier to call long
distance. Make sure everyone knows the name,
address, and phone number of the contact person.
Contact your local emergency management office
or American Red Cross chapter for more information
on tsunamis.
During
Listen to a radio or television to get the
latest emergency information, and be ready
to evacuate if asked to do so.
If you hear an official tsunami warning or
detect signs of a tsunami, evacuate at once.
Climb to higher ground. A tsunami warning
is issued when authorities are certain that
a tsunami threat exists.
Stay away from the beach.
Never go down to the beach to watch a tsunami
come in. If you can see the wave you are too
close to escape it.
Return home only after authorities advise
it is safe to do so.
A tsunami is a series of waves. Do not assume
that one wave means that the danger over.
The next wave may be larger than the first
one. Stay out of the area.
After
Stay tuned to a battery-operated radio for
the latest emergency information.
Help injured or trapped persons.
Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move
seriously injured persons unless they are
in immediate danger of further injury. Call
for help.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require
special assistance--infants, elderly people,
and people with disabilities.
Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home
only when authorities say it is safe.
Enter your home with caution.
Use a flashlight when entering damaged buildings.
Check for electrical shorts and live wires.
Do not use appliances or lights until an electrician
has checked the electrical system.
Open windows and doors to help dry the building.
Shovel mud while it is still moist to give
walls and floors an opportunity to dry.
Check food supplies and test drinking water.
Fresh food that has come in contact with
flood waters may be contaminated and should
be thrown out. Have tap water tested by the
local health department.
Health Effects of Tsunamis
Immediate health concerns:
After the rescue of survivors, the primary
public health concerns are clean drinking
water, food, shelter, and medical care for
injuries.
Flood waters can pose health risks such as
contaminated water and food supplies.
Loss of shelter leaves people vulnerable
to insect exposure, heat, and other environmental
hazards.
The majority of deaths associated with tsunamis
are related to drownings, but traumatic injuries
are also a primary concern. Injuries such
as broken limbs and head injuries are caused
by the physical impact of people being washed
into debris such as houses, trees, and other
stationary items. As the water recedes, the
strong suction of debris being pulled into
large populated areas can further cause injuries
and undermine buildings and services.
Medical care is critical in areas where little
medical care exists.
Secondary effects
Natural disasters do not necessarily cause
an increase in infectious disease outbreaks.
However, contaminated water and food supplies
as well as the lack of shelter and medical
care may have a secondary effect of worsening
illnesses that already exist in the affected
region.
Decaying bodies create very little risk of
major disease outbreaks.
The people most at risk are those who handle
the bodies or prepare them for burial.
Long-lasting effects
The effects of a disaster last a long time.
The greater need for financial and material
assistance is in the months after a disaster,
including
surveying and monitoring for infectious and
water- or insect-transmitted diseases;
diverting medical supplies from nonaffected
areas to meet the needs of the affected regions;
restoring normal primary health services,
water systems, housing, and employment; and
assisting the community to recover mentally
and socially when the crisis has subsided.
