Before an earthquake or tsunami
- 1. Identify hazards
- Identify items that may fall, topple or slide
- Secure potentially hazardous and valuable items
- Determine if you live, work or play in a tsunami hazard zone
- 2. Create a disaster preparedness plan
- Practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" drills
- Collect critical supplies
- Choose a meeting place and an out-of-area contact
- Recognize the natural and official warnings of a tsunami and know how to respond
- 3. Prepare survival kits
- Create kits for home, work and car
- Be prepared to be isolated for at least a week
- 4. Identify weaknesses
- Identify weaknesses in your building and fix them
- Contact your local government and find out what tsunami plans are in your community
- 5. Protect yourself during an earthquake
- Drop to the floor
- Take Cover under a sturdy table or desk
- Hold on until the shaking stops
- 6. Evacuate if necessary—check for injuries and damage
- If you are in a tsunami hazard zone, immediately WALK to higher ground or inland away from coast
- Check for injuries and damage
- 7. Follow your plan
- If you evacuated coastal areas—stay away until officials permit you to return
- Be in communication—use your radio for info
- Expect aftershocks—some may be large enough to do additional damage