Safety tips before, during and after a tsunami
The image above is a before and after of Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Not only was mass land destroyed, but so too Japan's population with a confirmed total of 15,884 deaths and even more injured. Although not every death could be prevented, a vast majority of that number could've been toned down if the people followed proper safety instructions and stuck to an emergency evacuation plan.
BEFORE
If you live near a coastal region which is subject to tectonic disasters, it is best to have an emergency plan as it reduces pressure under dire scenarios like a tsunami and allows one to make quick-thinking actions. Be certain you know the area outline of your house so you know where to go and how long it takes to reach it. It is also crucial families set an evacuation area where the family should go should the tsunami occur during working hours or school hours. If the school has its own evacuation plan, know where it is and the quickest route there since school lines will be packed and the roads congested with traffic. Practice makes perfect, be sure to practice the route plenty of times with your family should a tsunami actually occur: doing this familiarises you with the actions that should be made. If you do want to bring something with you, be certain it an essential; a must such as family photos, medical requirements and treasured items.
DURING
When near a coastal region and you feel a quake or tremor, drop, get cover and hold on to nearby stable objects, i.e a table. With knowledge that tsunamis can be caused by coastal quakes, instantly warn others to move higher as there is a high risk of one occurring. Be sure to avoid areas with power-lines or possible buildings that are vulnerable to collapsing: this can block paths and is life-threatening. Bring with you a radio to keep up-to-date with updates about the progress of the tsunami and to know when it is safe to go back outside. If you are in your house and your pets are in reach, bring them: if a tsunami is life-threatening to you, it sure is to them. Lastly, if you can see the tsunami, it may reach you, so continue further up ground.
AFTER
Just because you no longer hear or feel the tsunami, don't assume it is safe to leave, the risks of after-shocks and move waves is too high. If someone is seriously injured, try and get a professional there before you have to work on the patient; there have been cases where someone has tried to help and injured and accidentally taken the other's life. However, there is an exception to this point, if the patient is disabled or an elderly, aid them immediately. When you do go outside to find and assist others, wearing protective clothing to prevent yourself from injury. Most importantly, let the professionals be professionals, they are there for a reason and you being there may interfere with their precision and accuracy
BEFORE
If you live near a coastal region which is subject to tectonic disasters, it is best to have an emergency plan as it reduces pressure under dire scenarios like a tsunami and allows one to make quick-thinking actions. Be certain you know the area outline of your house so you know where to go and how long it takes to reach it. It is also crucial families set an evacuation area where the family should go should the tsunami occur during working hours or school hours. If the school has its own evacuation plan, know where it is and the quickest route there since school lines will be packed and the roads congested with traffic. Practice makes perfect, be sure to practice the route plenty of times with your family should a tsunami actually occur: doing this familiarises you with the actions that should be made. If you do want to bring something with you, be certain it an essential; a must such as family photos, medical requirements and treasured items.
DURING
When near a coastal region and you feel a quake or tremor, drop, get cover and hold on to nearby stable objects, i.e a table. With knowledge that tsunamis can be caused by coastal quakes, instantly warn others to move higher as there is a high risk of one occurring. Be sure to avoid areas with power-lines or possible buildings that are vulnerable to collapsing: this can block paths and is life-threatening. Bring with you a radio to keep up-to-date with updates about the progress of the tsunami and to know when it is safe to go back outside. If you are in your house and your pets are in reach, bring them: if a tsunami is life-threatening to you, it sure is to them. Lastly, if you can see the tsunami, it may reach you, so continue further up ground.
AFTER
Just because you no longer hear or feel the tsunami, don't assume it is safe to leave, the risks of after-shocks and move waves is too high. If someone is seriously injured, try and get a professional there before you have to work on the patient; there have been cases where someone has tried to help and injured and accidentally taken the other's life. However, there is an exception to this point, if the patient is disabled or an elderly, aid them immediately. When you do go outside to find and assist others, wearing protective clothing to prevent yourself from injury. Most importantly, let the professionals be professionals, they are there for a reason and you being there may interfere with their precision and accuracy