Tsunami Safety Rules

1. The Caribbean and its adjacent regions are at risk to tsunamis. If you live in a coastal area, be prepared and know the natural tsunami warning signs.
2. All earthquakes do not cause tsunamis, but many do. Therefore, an earthquake can be a natural tsunami warning sign. When you know that an earthquake has occurred, stand by for a tsunami alert message and be extremely vigilant of your external environment if you are at or near the coastline. 
3. A tsunami is not a single wave, but a series of waves carrying a massive volume of water that can flood and inundate land for hours. The first wave may not be the largest. Stay out of danger areas until an "all-clear" is issued by a recognized authority.
4. A small tsunami at one point along the shore can be extremely large a few kilometers away. Don’t let the modest size of one make you lose respect for all.
5. All warnings to the public must be taken very seriously, even if some are for non-destructive events. The tsunami of May, 1960 killed 61 people in Hilo, Hawaii because some thought it was just another false alarm.
6. All tsunamis are potentially dangerous, even though they may not damage every coastline they strike.
7. When you can see the wave, you are too close to outrun it.
8. Most tsunamis are like flash floods full of debris such as trees, cars and boats which can cause injury so stay out of the water, even after the tsunami has occurred.
9. During a tsunami emergency, your national disaster management offices, local civil defence, police, and other emergency organizations will try to save your life. Give them your fullest cooperation.

Before a Tsunami

1. Always be prepared, a tsunami may occur anytime.
2. Discuss tsunamis with your family and friends.
3. Prepare a family emergency plan including each member of your household.
4. Emergency supplies and equipment such as canned foods, medication, flashlights, battery-powered radios, clean water and First Aid kits should be readily available and working properly.
5. Prepare a safety backpack including medicine and first aid items.
6. Determine if key locations e.g. home, workplaces and schools are in vulnerable places by discussing with your local disaster management office.
7. Be aware of concrete, reinforced multi-storey buildings nearby that can be used for evacuation to upper floors if necessary.
8. Identify danger zones, assembly locations, designated evacuation routes or the quickest way to reach higher ground safely with the help of your local disaster management officials. If you are in a low-lying area near to the beach, identify the quickest way to get to high ground.  A safe assembly location would be at least 30m (~100feet) above sea level and 3km (~ 2miles) inland.
9. Look to insure your house in case of damages caused by flooding due to a tsunami.
10. Keep an evacuation plan in a visible place.
11. Learn how to turn off the gas and electricity in your home.
12. Keep important documents in water-proof containers in high places.
13. Ensure that all family members can recognize Natural Tsunami Warning Signs as timely, official Tsunami Warnings may not be possible.
14. Teach and practice your evacuation plan with all family members, as everyone needs to know what to do in case all members are not together.

During a Tsunami

1. Follow official guidance but do not wait for an official warning before evacuating as authorities may not have enough time to issue a Tsunami Warning.
2. If you are at the beach and recognize signs of a tsunami - such as a severe ground shaking, the sea pulling back significantly from the shoreline or an unusual roar from the ocean - leave the area and move immediately to higher ground. 
3. Sometimes, tsunamis may occur without the initial pulling back of the sea. In this case, a massive wall of water may be seen approaching land. If you can see the wave, you are already too close to outrun it. 
4. If you are unable to move to higher ground, go to an upper floor (at least the 3rd storey) or roof of a concrete and reinforced building. As a last resort, climb a strong tree if trapped on low ground. 
5. If swept up by a tsunami, look for something to use as a raft. 
6. A tsunami is not a single wave but a series of waves that can come ashore for hours. 
7. The first wave may not be the largest. 
8. If a Tsunami Warning is issued, NEVER go down to the beach to watch the waves come in. 
9. Do not try to surf the tsunami. 
10. Stay out of danger areas until an “ALL-CLEAR” is issued by a recognized authority e.g. your local disaster management office. A tsunami can last for hours.

After a Tsunami

1. If possible, stay tuned to a radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
2. Once the ALL-CLEAR is given:
   • Help injured or trapped people and call for help, if necessary.
   • Keep out of stagnant water.
   • Open windows and doors to help dry buildings.
   • Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
   • Remove mud while it is still moist to give walls and floors an opportunity to dry.
   • Check food supply and test drinking water.
   • Fresh food that has come in contact with flood water may be contaminated and should be discarded.
   • Check for damage to sewer and water lines.