Precautions For Those At Risk of a Tsunami

If you live in a coastal area that is hit by an earthquake, especially near the Pacific Ocean, the chances of a tsunami hitting increase. Take these precautions immediately after an earthquake.

-Turn on your radio or TV to hear if there is a tsunami warning
-Move away from the shoreline and to higher ground
-Do not go to the beach, especially if you see a noticeable recession of water away from the shoreline.

Protecting Your Home and Property

If you live in an area of the world where tsunamis could occur, there are a few precautions you can take to help prevent damage to your home and property.
-Elevate your home if it's on the coast.
-Make a list of things to bring inside in case a tsunami hits.
-Have your home inspected by an engineer to determine ways to divert water away from the structure.
-Contact your insurance agent. Homeowners' policies don't cover tsunami flooding. Inquire about the National Flood Insurance Program.

Family Disaster Plan

Long before a natural disaster strikes, it is wise to create a family disaster plan, especially for children. Make the following decisions before the evacuation actually occurs:

1. Determine a place to meet outside your neighborhood
2. Determine a second meeting place in case the first one is damaged or ruined
3. Decide on another family member (apart from members of your household) to call to check-in in case you are separated. Ideally, the contact should be someone out-of-state
4. Designate someone to take the disaster kit when they evacuate

Tsunami Tips for Boaters

If you are on a boat when a tsunami is possibly approaching, move to deeper waters. Upon returning to your boat after a tsunami hits land, be cautious because wave conditions may be severe and strong currents may exist for a period after the tsunami hits.

What Should Go In a Family Disaster Kit

Keeping a Family Disaster Kit is important in case a tsunami strikes. It should contain necessities for the entire family.

Store one-gallon of water per person for at least three days in plastic containers.

Keep a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as peanut butter, trail mix, canned juices, milk, soup and sweetened cereals.

Store a first-aid kit, tools, some clothing and bedding and important documents in the kit as well.

Be sure to store the kit in a convenient place for all family members and keep things in a airtight, plastic containers.