Writing Instructions

Instructions to be followed by people living in areas under risk of tsunami are:

• Find out if your home, school, workplace, or other frequently visited locations are in tsunami hazard areas.
• Know the height of your street above sea level and the distance of your street from the coast or other high-risk waters. Evacuation orders may be based on these numbers
• Plan evacuation routes from your home, school, workplace, or any other place
You could be where tsunamis present a risk. If possible, pick areas (30 meters) above sea level or go as far as 3 kilometers inland, away from the coastline. Follow posted tsunami evacuation routes; these will lead to safety. Local emergency management officials can advise you on the best route to safety and likely shelter locations.
• Find out what the school evacuation plan is if your children's school is in an identified inundation zone. Find out if the plan requires you to pick your children up from school or from another location. Telephone lines during a tsunami watch or warning may be overloaded and routes to and from schools may be jammed.
• Practice your evacuation routes. Familiarity may save your life. Be able to follow your escape route at night and during inclement weather. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking during an actual emergency situation.
• Use a Weather Radio or stay tuned to a local radio or television station to keep informed of local watches and warnings.
• Talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners' policies may not cover flooding from a tsunami. Ask about the Flood Insurance Program.
• Discuss tsunamis with your family. Everyone should know what to do in a tsunami situation. Discussing tsunamis ahead of time will help reduce fear and save precious time in an emergency. Review flood safety and preparedness measures with your family.