Tsunami’s due to Earthquakes are very dangerous. A few steps can save your life. The given list is of personal advise/suggestions. Please check with Local Disaster Management Authorities for any eventuality:
BEFORE:
1. Find out if your home is in a danger zone. Know the height of your street above sea level and distance of your street from the coast. The Evacuation orders refer to these points.
2. Please be familiar with the Tsunami warning signs as this can be caused by an underwater disturbance or an earthquake.
3. People living along the coast, should take this signs as a warning signal.
4. A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is also a sign that a Tsunami is approaching.
5. Make sure that all your family members know how to respond to a tsunami.
Prepare evacuation plans much early; don’t take chances in case of emergencies. A few seconds of delay can take your life.
6. Please keep all the disaster supplies on hand, like first aid box, flash light and extra batteries Also keep all your important documents along with your insurance policies in a bag, so that while evacuating, you can take those with you.
7. Develop your own emergency communication plan. Incase family members are separated from one another during a tsunami (A very real possibility as you can be in work and your children might be at home), have a plan of getting back together.
8. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “Family Contact”
9. In case of emergency, please call the Disaster Management Authority of your respective Government or the Red Cross or your local disaster management office.
DURING:
1. Please listen to the Radio to get the latest emergency information. Keep portable radios in
case of emergencies.
2. If you hear an official tsunami warning or detect signs of a tsunami, evacuate at once.
3. Climb to a higher ground as early as possible.
4. Remember that a tsunami warning is issued, when the authorities are almost sure that a tsunami may happen. So, please don’t take chances.
5. Stay away from the beach. Never go to the beach to see a tsunami coming.
6. Return home only when the authorities advise you to do so.
7. Do not assume that one wave means that the danger is over. The next wave may be larger than the first one. Stay out of the area.
AFTER:
1. Stay tuned to a battery-operated radio for the latest emergency information. Help the injured or trapped persons.
2. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Please call for help.
3. Do remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance- infants, elderly people and people with disabilities. Please stay away from damaged buildings.
4. Do return home, when authorities instruct you to do so. Enter your home with lot of concern.
5. Check for electric short circuits and live wires. Please do not use appliances or lights until an electrician has checked the electrical system and open windows and doors to help dry the building.
6. Check for also gas leaks if any- if you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building.
7. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home. If you have turned off the gas, the gas should be turned on by a professional.
8. Check for sewage and waterlines damages.
9. Please also call the water company, if your water line is damaged.
After all these, I just want to say, that please don’t panick. Follow the rules and you will be fine. After all, there is so many agencies as well as your Respective Government to take care of you. So, have faith in God and you will be safe…
—
Mainak Majumdar
Disaster Management Specialist and Writer
Website: http://www.theideas.in/
