Natural disasters like floods and tsunamis can be devastating, but with proper preparation and quick action, you can significantly increase your chances of survival. This article outlines essential strategies for before, during, and after these water-related catastrophes.
Preparation
Know Your Risk
1. Determine if you live in a flood-prone or tsunami-risk area.
2. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and high ground locations.
3. Sign up for local emergency alerts and notifications[5].
Create an Emergency Plan
1. Develop a family communication plan with an out-of-state contact.
2. Identify safe meeting places after evacuation.
3. Map out evacuation routes from home, work, and school[5].
Assemble a Survival Kit
Pack a waterproof container with:
– Non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
– Flashlights and extra batteries
– First aid supplies and essential medications
– Personal hygiene items
– Important documents in waterproof bags
– Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
– Warm clothing and blankets[5][1][7]
During the Event
For Floods
1. Move to higher ground immediately when flooding begins[2].
2. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters[3].
3. If trapped in a vehicle during rising waters, abandon it and move to higher ground[3].
4. Stay tuned to emergency broadcasts for updates and instructions[1].
For Tsunamis
1. If you feel an earthquake in a coastal area, drop, cover, and hold on[4].
2. Once shaking stops, immediately evacuate to higher ground or inland[5].
3. Aim for at least 100 feet above sea level or one mile inland[5].
4. Do not wait for an official evacuation order; tsunamis can arrive within minutes[5].
After the Disaster
1. Do not return home until authorities declare it safe[1].
2. Avoid damaged areas and stay clear of floodwaters, which may be contaminated[1].
3. Be cautious of damaged roads, bridges, and buildings[6].
4. Help others if it’s safe to do so, but prioritize your own safety[1].
Long-term Considerations
1. Review and update your emergency plan regularly.
2. Participate in community preparedness programs and drills[5].
3. Consider flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area.
By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can enhance your chances of surviving floods and tsunamis. Remember, preparation is key, and quick action during an event can save lives.
Read More
[1] https://www.pattersonca.gov/488/What-To-Do-Before-During-and-After-a-Flo
[2] https://oci.georgia.gov/safety-tips-flooding
[3] https://pinellas.gov/safety-tips-before-during-and-after-a-flood/
[4] https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Documents/Tsunami/How-to-Survive-a-Tsunami.pdf
[5] https://www.battlbox.com/blogs/outdoors/what-to-do-during-a-tsunami-essential-survival-strategies
[6] https://www.corneliusor.gov/DocumentCenter/View/673/How-to-Stay-Safe-in-an-Earthquake-or-Tsunami-PDF
[7] https://teamrubiconusa.org/news-and-stories/i-survived-a-flood-this-is-what-i-wish-i-had-known/
[8] https://www.mass.gov/info-details/flood-safety-tips
[9] https://www.dhses.ny.gov/floods
[10] https://www.ready.gov/tsunamis
[11] https://redwoodcoastrc.org/wp-content/uploads/sitefiles/Tsunami_Survive_Mar_10.pdf
[12] https://www.caloes.ca.gov/office-of-the-director/operations/planning-preparedness-prevention/seismic-hazards/tsunami-preparedness/
[13] https://uwiseismic.com/tsunamis/preparedness/
[14] https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/FloodSafety-OnePager-11-29-2018.pdf
[15] https://www.weather.gov/afc/FloodSafety
[16] https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/tsunami-tips
[17] https://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-safety-tsunami.htm
[18] https://newsroom.statefarm.com/tsunami-safety-and-recovery-tips/
[19] https://www.cdc.gov/tsunamis/about/index.html
[20] https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html
[21] https://www.reddit.com/r/selfreliance/comments/1iooza1/article_how_to_survive_a_flood/