When an earthquake occurs or a volcano erupts underwater, the waves move violently, like when you throw a stone into a pond and the water ripples. In this case, however, the waves can be very high, move very fast and cause great damage once they touch land. This is how a tsunami happens, and everyone who gets hit is in some danger. Here's how to learn to recognize the signs of a tsunami and to protect yourself, your family and friends.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to recognize a tsunami
Did you know that a 10-year-old girl, Tilly Smith, was able to save her family and others from a tsunami in Thailand? He had learned to recognize one from a geography lesson. It is important that you know what a tsunami is and what you can do to protect yourself, your family and friends. Here is some key information to know about tsunamis:
- Tsunami waves travel very quickly, more than a car! They can travel up to 800 km / h from the depths of the ocean.
- The waves of a tsunami can reach 30 m in height. They get bigger when they touch land. This means that they can start out as a simple ripple of water in the ocean, and then grow and grow into giant waves once they hit land.
- Tsunamis are not rogue waves. Many people get confused. Tsunamis are real tsunamis and have nothing to do with tidal waves.
Step 2. Learn the warning signs thrown by nature
If you live in a coastal area, how will you know if a tsunami is about to occur? Nature sends us very clear signals:
- An earthquake occurs or the earth shakes a lot.
- The sea suddenly recedes and leaves only the sand, making the beach seem much larger.
- Animals may behave strangely, such as suddenly leaving, gathering in groups, or trying to get into places they don't usually go to.
- Always pay attention to the warning signs of the media and the alarm system of the country where you live.
Step 3. Get away from the beach or flat areas
Whether you are at home, at school or playing on the beach, if you see or hear these signs, immediately go away, step on a relief. Sometimes you may be notified by local emergency services. Hear what they have to say and follow their advice. However, don't wait to be warned - tsunamis can strike within minutes of the alarm, so you should leave immediately. Here's what to do:
- Stay away from the beach. Do not go near this area or enter nearby buildings. Even noticing only a small tsunami, you immediately leave. The waves grow and keep hitting. Well, the next giant wave could reach you. Generally, if you can see a big wave, you are too close, and it is too late to escape (however, try to do so if it happens).
- Reach elevated terrain. Go to a hill or a raised area of your city. If you are trapped, find a tall solid building and climb to the top. You may need to sit on the roof.
- Leave your things. Your life is more important than toys, books, school supplies and other things. Forget about it and save yourself.
- Think of younger children. Help your younger brothers or sisters and other younger children reach a raised terrain. However, you can also help people your age or older.
- Stay safe for several hours. A tsunami can continue to hit the coast for many hours, so the danger could persist for a while. Do not return to the area you were in until you have received a clear message from the emergency services. If you don't know anything, wait patiently.
- Find a radio. If someone has a radio in the place where you took refuge, listen to the updates.
Step 4. Prepare for a tsunami
If you live in a risk area, it's important to be ready. Does your school not have a contingency plan for this? Ask for one. You can make it become a class project. The school or home emergency plan should include the following information:
- Where it is safe to go; choose a place that can be reached on foot in no more than 15 minutes.
- Include items that will help you survive in an emergency backpack.
- Practice a tsunami evacuation (emergency drill) regularly.
- Learn to recognize warning signs and systems that use emergency services.
- Learn how to use the first aid kit and know which doctors, nurses or other professionals in the field to contact.
- Warn the people around you.
- Always carry a contingency plan with you.
- Always try to have emergency food and water.
- Don't try to take it all with you.
Step 5. Always help pets
Advice
- If your community doesn't know what to do during a tsunami, start an awareness campaign to inform you of the dangers of tsunamis in your area and explain what to do in an emergency.
- Learn about possible natural disasters via TV, local radio station, the internet or any other source.
- Grab onto something floating and go with the flow.
- If the local emergency services do not have an evacuation plan for a tsunami, write to those responsible for it to be dealt with and disseminated. Offer help from your class.
- The word tsunami is Japanese and means "wave against the harbor".
Warnings
- If you get carried away by the water, the most important thing is to stay afloat. Grab hold of a floating object, such as a tree trunk, piece of building, etc. If possible, use the floating article to get close to a structure to climb and get out of the water.
- Don't climb a tree unless you have no other choice. Trees often give way to water pressure. If you have to do this, find a very sturdy, tall one and go as high as possible.
- If a tsunami wave spreads along the coast, you can also find a railing or a parking meter, tie your jacket or sweater over it, and hang yourself until it passes.
