What to do in a tsunami

Summary

This video, created by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and the National Emergency Management Agency, educates viewers on how to prepare for and respond to a tsunami. It explains the importance of knowing evacuation routes, recognizing different types of warnings—official, natural, and unofficial—and the significance of quick action. Viewers are encouraged to practice evacuation, understand safety measures during a tsunami, and take precautions even after the event. The video emphasizes staying informed, assisting others, and ensuring proper insurance coverage in case of disaster.

Takeaways

• 😀 Emergencies, including earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunamis, fires, and volcanic activity, can happen at any time, so it's important to be prepared.
• 🌊 A tsunami is a powerful series of waves caused by events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, or meteorite impacts, and it can travel up to 800 km/h across oceans.
• 🗺️ Check the tsunami evacuation zone maps online at www.getready.govt.nz to know if you're at risk and to plan your evacuation route.
• 🚶‍♂️ Regularly practice your tsunami evacuation walk to familiarize yourself with the route to higher ground or inland.
• 📡 There are 3 types of tsunami warnings: Official, Natural, and Unofficial. Always follow the official warnings first.
• ⏳ Official warnings are issued on the National Emergency Management Agency website and may also be broadcast on TV, radio, and through emergency mobile alerts.
• ⚠️ If you feel a long or strong earthquake, notice sudden changes in sea level, or hear loud noises from the sea, these are natural warning signs of a tsunami. Evacuate immediately.
• 🛑 If an earthquake lasts longer than a minute or makes it difficult to stand, evacuate to high ground or move inland as soon as it stops. Remember: 'Long or Strong, Get Gone.'
• 📱 Unofficial warnings from the public or the media may also occur. If these warnings seem reliable, consider evacuating but verify once you're safe.
• 🏠 After a tsunami, wait for official confirmation before returning home, and avoid coastal waters and areas affected by the tsunami for at least 24 hours. Check in with neighbors and help others if possible.

Q & A

What are the types of emergencies that the video mentions?

The video mentions various types of emergencies including earthquakes, floods, storms, tsunamis, fires, and volcanic activity.

How can you check if you're at risk of a tsunami?

You can check your risk of a tsunami by using the tsunami evacuation zone maps available online at www.getready.govt.nz.

What is the purpose of the tsunami evacuation walk?

The tsunami evacuation walk is a practice route that helps you become familiar with your evacuation plan, guiding you to higher ground or inland in the event of a tsunami.

How many types of tsunami warnings are there, and what are they?

There are three types of tsunami warnings: official, natural, and unofficial.

What should you do when you receive an official tsunami warning?

You should immediately follow the advice of the official warning, which may be broadcast on TV, radio, or through emergency mobile alerts.

What are the natural warning signs of a tsunami?

Natural warning signs include feeling a long or strong earthquake, seeing a sudden rise or fall in sea level, or hearing loud and unusual noises from the sea.

What should you do if you experience a long or strong earthquake?

If you experience a long or strong earthquake, remember the phrase 'If it’s Long or Strong, Get Gone.' Get your grab bag and immediately move to higher ground or as far inland as possible.

What are unofficial warnings, and how should they be handled?

Unofficial warnings come from friends, the public, international media, or the internet. If the warning seems trustworthy, consider evacuating. However, you should verify the accuracy of the warning while evacuating or after reaching a safe location.

When is it safe to return home after a tsunami?

You should only return home once it is confirmed safe by authorities. Listen to the radio or follow updates from your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

Why is it important to have insurance in the event of a disaster?

Having insurance is crucial because it helps you recover more quickly after a disaster, providing coverage for your home and contents. Without insurance, recovery may take longer and be more difficult.