Surviving an Earthquake or Tsunami
If you live in an earthquake and tsunami prone area, you will most likely experience shaking under your feet at some point. It is possible you may experience a major earthquake that is capable of damaging buildings and creating destructive tsunamis. It is possible to survive a major earthquake and tsunami if you prepare well in advance and heed warnings.
EARTHQUAKE SURVIVAL
Long before an earthquake strikes, you should take a look around your home to recognize safety hazards such as objects that might fall or shift during intense shaking. Families should make a plan so everyone knows what to do during an earthquake and after the event. Also, everyone should know how to get in contact with each other. It is a good idea to have at least a 7 day emergency store of food, medicine, water and medical supplies and check your home for any structural weaknesses.
During an earthquake, do not run outside. Instead, stay under a piece of heavy furniture if possible and hold on until the shaking stops. If you can’t find a sturdy table or desk to hide under, sit on the floor against an inside door and keep away from windows, furniture and bookcases that might fall on you. If you are driving when the earthquake starts, pull over and stay away from overpasses, power lines, bridges and other hazards. Always stay inside your car until the earthquake has passed.
TSUNAMI SURVIVAL
Earthquakes may not be the only hazard you have to worry about; you might live in a tsunami prone area as well. If an earthquake strikes and the ground shakes for a long time, it is possible a tsunami has been triggered. Instead of waiting for official word that a tsunami is on its way, evacuate immediately and follow the evacuation route signs posted. Always bring your emergency kit with you, since you may not be able to return home for a few days or, it’s possible in extreme cases, you may not be able to return home.
Tsunamis that cause considerable damage are not as rare as you might think. In fact, within the last 70 years there have been 34 tsunamis recorded on the North Coast of California – the most tsunami prone state, with five of them causing damage to homes.
Bear in mind, tsunamis come in multiple waves, not just a single large wave. Also, the first wave is typically not the largest and the waves can arrive anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour apart. Never return home until you receive the “all clear” from official channels.