How to Avoid Tsunamis

Every time the Earth's plates quake, there's a very huge chance that a whiplash, aside from aftershocks, would occur – the dreaded tsunami.

If you can recall, Indonesia's Java region got swept by killer tsunamis after a huge sea quake. Lots of people died, civilization halted, lots of houses destroyed, diseases spread, that's what happens when tsunamis strike. So the question is: How do you avoid tsunamis? Here are some tips that I've thought of:


• If you're at a beach area after an earthquake:

Considering that the earthquake just finished, leave the water and immediately retreat to higher ground, preferably the nearest city or block, a few kilometers away from the shore. Do not think, just run away. Climb the highest building you can locate. Stay away from the windows for foreign objects may come flying through, breaking the glass and possibly injuring you.

If it took you some time to realize that the earthquake was over (probably due to shock), you have lost a valuable time window to move as far away as you can from your location. Instead, head to the nearest high rise hotel or condominium or structure around the vicinity. Do not climb high trees, it will get swept by the rushing seawater no matter how high it is. Do not ride the elevator when the tsunami touches ground, there's a possibility of a blackout and you might get stranded at the elevator for days.

Do not move from your location until rescue arrives or until your personal judgment tells you that it is already safe to move from your location.


• If you're in an island nation or a shore nation and inside a metropolitan area after an earthquake:

Evacuate to high grounds, listen to the news and watch out for any alerts on tsunami levels and of what to do or where to proceed. Salvaging personal items from your house depends on the estimate of your nation's crisis specialists. If there is a practical time window before waves hit the metro, salvage everything your two hands can carry – food, flashlights, water bottles, radios, and devices that can keep you connected with civilization.


• If you're on or inside a sea vessel after an earthquake:

Radio the local marina or other responsible organizations for directions on where the major tsunamis are headed, then head to the opposite direction. Immediately equip safety jackets or any other appropriate survival gear and turn on any tagging/homing device, if any. Radio your presence and your coordinates so you would get accounted for accordingly. Always stay tuned at the news.


• If you're inside an air vessel after an earthquake:

If your vehicle has enough gasoline, do not land immediately. You could radio to the local airfield, rescue units, or other responsible organizations of what you're seeing in the air e.g. destroyed structures, stuck people, heavily-affected areas, etc. Land your vehicle in the safest and highest area possible accordingly. Head to the nearest structure and listen to the news.


So there, my tips on how to avoid tsunamis. I would like you to know that I'm no authority with regards to this matter, I just wrote what I thought would be very helpful in case of this emergency. You should always refer to the governmental unit assigned in your locality for tsunami safety. They know better than me.

'Till my next installment.