Before, During, and After a Tsunami
Before a Tsunami
Getting ready before a tsunami strikes will help reduce damage to your home and business and help you survive.
Before a Tsunami
Getting ready before a tsunami strikes will help reduce damage to your home and business and help you survive.
- If you live in a coastal area, ask your council about your tsunami risk and local warning arrangements.
- If you have a disability or special requirements, arrange with your support network to alert you of any warnings and emergency broadcasts.
- Develop a Household Emergency Plan and have a Getaway Kit ready.
- Know where the nearest high ground is and how you will reach it. Plan to get as high up or as far inland as you can. Plan your escape route for when you are at home, as well as for when you may be working or holidaying near the coast.
- Take your getaway kit with you if possible. Do not travel into the areas at risk to get your kit or belongings.
- Take your pets with you if you can do so safely.
- Move immediately to the nearest higher ground, or as far inland as you can. If evacuation maps are present, follow the routes shown.
- Walk or bike if possible and drive only if essential. If driving, keep going once you are well outside the evacuation zone to allow room for others behind you.
- If you cannot escape the tsunami, go to an upper storey of a sturdy building or climb onto a roof or up a tree, or grab a floating object and hang on until help arrives.
- Boats are usually safer in water deeper than 100 metres than if they are on the shore. Move boats out to sea only if there is time and it is safe to do so.
- Never go to the shore to watch for a tsunami. Stay away from at-risk areas until the official all-clear is given.
- Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.
- Continue to listen to the radio for civil defence advice and do not return to the evacuation zones until authorities have given the all-clear.
- Be aware that there may be more than one wave and it may not be safe for up to 24 hours, or longer. The waves that follow the first one may also be bigger.
- Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if needed. Help others if you can.
- Do not go sightseeing.
- When re-entering homes or buildings, use extreme caution as floodwaters may have damaged buildings. Look for, and report, broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
- If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
