A tsunami is a series of waves, made in an ocean or other body of water by an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite impact. Tsunamis can cause huge destruction when they hit coastlines.

Step 1: Before the Tsunami Arrives:

Turn on your radio or TV to listen if there is a tsunami warning

Step 2:

Move away from the shoreline and to higher ground

Step 3:

Don't go to the beach, especially if you see a noticeable recession of water away from the shoreline.

Step 4:

Locate all members of your family and make sure everyone is informed.

Step 5:

Agree on a place to meet in case you’re not together and make sure it’s safe and as far away from the shore as possible.

Step 6: After the Tsunami:

Stay calm as you can.

Step 7:

You might want to secure your house, but remember that this is the last priority. Your life and that of your family’s are the most important considerations during a tsunami emergency.

Step 8: During a Tsunami:

If you are on a boat when a tsunami is possibly approaching, move to deeper waters. Upon returning to your boat after a tsunami hits land, be cautious because wave conditions may be severe and strong currents may exist for a period after the tsunami hits.

Step 9:

Save lives, not possessions. Trying to retrieve things and belongings may hamper your escape by causing you to lose valuable time. Grab your safety pack, something to keep you warm, your family and leave immediately.

Step 10:

If you find yourself under the mercy of an incoming wave, climb onto the rooftop of your house or on the highest point of the nearest structure and brace yourself. Hold on tightly to anything that’s strong and stable enough. Climb a tree if you have to and dont let go.

Step 11:

If you’re already in the water, grab a floating object that can hold your weight and hold onto it until you can reach stable ground or when help is available. Grab onto anything that is firm and strive to get out of the water as much as possible.

Step 12:

Try to get reliable information. Listen to the radio for updates on what is happening. Do not trust word of mouth. It is better to wait than to return too early and be caught by more incoming waves

Step 13: After a Tsunami:

Don't eat any food that hasn't been sealed in a plastic, waterproof container or commercially canned. Don't consume food from containers with screw caps, twist caps or flip tops if they've been in contact with contaminated water.

Step 14:

Establishing an advance stash of fresh water. Whether bottled water or filtered water, an emergency water supply should be in place in your community.