Saving Lives in Case of a Tsunami

What It Is

A tsunami (Japanese word for “harbor waves”) is a series of waves triggered by earthquakes or landslides in the ocean that cause the earth’s crust to rise or fall. Waves can travel up to 600 mph in the open ocean and reach heights of more than 100 feet. The first sign of a tsunami can be unusual disappearance of water or an unusual wall of water.

Causes

Local earthquakes with magnitude 6.9 and distant earthquakes with magnitude 7.9 or more could trigger watches or warnings. A tsunami watch means you should prepare to evacuate — a tsunami is possible in three to six hours after a distant earthquake.

A tsunami warning is issued when a tsunami is confirmed and first waves are expected to arrive in three hours or less. A tsunami could arrive almost immediately or within 45 minutes after a local earthquake, depending on the location.

Be Prepared

» Check telephone book white pages to see if your home is in an evacuation zone. » Develop a family emergency plan; identify an evacuation route and shelter.

» Prepare an emergency kit for at least three days with medicines, nonperishable foods, water, matches, candles, flashlights, can opener, radio, spare batteries, eyeglasses, personal hygiene items, clothing, a first-aid kit, bedding and copies of important papers.

» Go immediately inland or to higher ground if you feel the ground shaking.

» Evacuate low-lying coastal areas if you hear sirens. Go inland or to higher ground. If you are not in an evacuation zone, stay where you are and off the roads to avoid traffic gridlock.

» If you are in a reinforced concrete structure of six or more floors, go to the third floor or higher if you cannot leave the area.

» Do not pick up children from school. Schools have emergency and evacuation plans and will keep children until an “all clear” is announced.

» Do not tie up telephones, go to the beaches sightseeing or try to surf “killer” tsunami waves.

» Monitor broadcasts for Civil Defense tsunami bulletins.

For more information, go to www.tsunami.gov.

Sources: Oahu Department of Emergency Management and Pacific Tsunami Warning Center