Waves that travel across the ocean as fast as a
jet.
They're 30 meters tall and can uproot trees and move
houses.
So why do people always think they cannot run them?
How to Survive presents the worst things to do in
a tsunami,
Tsunamis are caused by extreme underwater motion that can be
caused by earthquakes or volcanoes.
This results in massive waves that can crash into coastal
cities and cause critical damage to buildings and roads.
In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami killed an estimated
230,000 people in over a dozen countries,
all in just a few hours.
This demonstration of lethal power shook the world while exposing
a lack of proper warning systems and general unawareness of
the signs of an impending tsunami.
But in 2011, a well prepared Japan was hit by
a tsunami.
16,000 people were killed. Sea walls and modern tsunami resistant
buildings likely saved thousands of lives but couldn't save them
all.
A prepared community is a good first step to survive
a tsunami.
But you need to do your part as well.
Why should a whistling sound scare you?
Is staying inside your car a bad idea?
Then why shouldn't you go straight home after a tsunami
hits?
Today? We want you to avoid the mistakes that could
kill you in case of a tsunami occurring near you.
Here's what you should not do
number six. Do not be too curious.
You're at the beach when the water suddenly recede.
You better follow the water and investigate,
right? Wrong. Don't start walking further out from the shore.
Doing so means putting yourself too close to the impending
action.
It's hard to interpret the speed of a wave when
you are on the beach,
and when you get too close,
you lose your perspective. When you finally realize its size
and speed,
it will be too late.
You'll be overtaken by the enormous wave,
but not all tsunamis will have receding water.
So how else do you tell if you're in danger
#5? Do not ignore the signs.
It's common for there to be emergency centers that specialize
in detecting and alerting people about impending tsunamis.
If you're in a coastal city and feel an earthquake,
prepare to get further inland and stay alert.
Keep a smartphone or radio close to learn about any
announcements.
If a tsunami watch is issued,
make sure you and your family are prepared to evacuate.
If a tsunami warning is issued,
get moving immediately. You may also hear a noise like
a plane or whistling.
This is another hue to get out of there.
Number four, Don't waste time.
Once a tsunami warning is issued,
you have a maximum of 30 minutes to get to
safety.
But don't take this for granted.
It doesn't always take that long for a tsunami to
reach shore.
Sometimes it could only be a few minutes or even
seconds before a wave washes you away.
If you are driving and become stuck in a traffic
jam,
get out of the car and run.
For higher ground, the waves can include uprooted trees or
even boulders,
so your vehicle might not be able to save your
life.
This deadly natural disaster can flood as far as 10
kilometers inland within approximately 6 minutes.
Outrunning the tsunami is not an option.
Find a building and climb to at least the third
floor.
Hide somewhere away from the windows.
A large hotel with several stories would be ideal.
#3 Do not return too fast.
Never leave your house or shelter while the tsunami is
happening
and do not return to low lying areas after the
first wave.
Tsunamis generate multiple waves and the first wave is not
always the biggest.
A small wave might be two meters and would carry
more than enough force to knock you down.
Following a March 11th, 2011 earthquake in Japan,
a tsunami hit the Northern California coast.
After the major wave hit,
a man named Dustin Douglas Weber came back to take
pictures and got swept off in a second wave.
3 weeks later his body washed up at Fort Stevens
State Park in Oregon,
483 kilometers away
#2 Do not go straight home after.
Remain on higher ground for at least three hours or
until authorities announced that it is safe to return to
low lying areas.
Bridges may be compromised and collapse,
so take alternate routes to go home.
If your house is flooded,
stay away. It could collapse when you get inside.
Before re entering, your home must be checked for gas
leaks,
fires and electrical hazards. Even if your house seems unaffected,
don't drink tap water until it's been tested for contamination.
#1 Do not lower your guard.
It's been a long and traumatic day,
but it might not be over.
Do not underestimate the potential for secondary disasters like landslides
or aftershocks.
Prepare a disaster kit with first aid,
supplies, drinking water and enough food to last for at
least three days.
You survived thanks to your city safety protocols and quickly
identifying the signs of an impending tsunami.
But the devastating power of water can cause damage even
far from the coast.
What if the dam that protects your city suddenly collapses?
Find out what to do here
on How to survive.