Q&A for How to Survive a Tsunami

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  • Question
    What should I do after a tsunami?
    Community Answer
    Head to the closest Immediate Relief Camp. There, you can find information and get basic supplies, such as food and water. If you are missing any family members, you might be able to find them there too, or get help finding them.
  • Question
    What do I do if I get injured?
    Community Answer
    If you have a first aid kit, use it. If not, do not panic; use a clean cloth and some fresh water to bandage it. After the tsunami, head to a hospital or relief center where you can get medical attention.
  • Question
    How can I save my family and pets if a tsunami happens?
    Community Answer
    Have food and an emergency plan. Grab a first aid kit and your family and pets, and go to the highest place you can reach as soon as possible.
  • Question
    What should I do if there is a flood after the tsunami?
    Community Answer
    If there is a flood after, it will be nearly or fully impossible to return home or to search for salvageable belongings. Return to a safer place you can stay, since you won't be able to go back home.
  • Question
    How often do tsunamis happen?
    Community Answer
    According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average of tsunamis striking anywhere in the world is two times (twice) a year. Of course, you need to realize that most tsunamis are very small and are barely noticeable, so don't assume they're all devastating.
  • Question
    Can I just stay in my apartment if a tsunami where to happen?
    Community Answer
    Unless your apartment is really high up and the structure is incredibly strong, you'd best evacuate.
  • Question
    How can I survive a tsunami if I don't know how to swim?
    Community Answer
    You could evacuate to higher ground, away from the water. If there is no time, you can climb something tall and sturdy, like a large tree, to keep yourself out of the water while you wait for rescue.
  • Question
    What kind of shelter would you need and how could you quickly find a shelter?
    Community Answer
    Go as high as you possibly can. Your first concern is height, you can worry about sheltering later. Run up a hill or go up a tall, strong building.
  • Question
    Is there any chance for a child to survive a tsunami?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's possible. Especially if they were properly educated and instructed on what to do in case they think a tsunami is coming.
  • Question
    Is it possible for a tsunami to hit Hawaii?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is possible.
  • Question
    What should I do with my pets when a tsunami strikes?
    Community Answer
    Evacuate with the pets or seek higher ground as soon as possible.
  • Question
    What do I do if my sister gets injured but my parents and my older brother are not there?
    Community Answer
    Try to find a first aid kit and/or an adult who can help you. If you're not already in a safe place, help your sister get to safety.
  • Question
    Which country would be hit the most and would have the worst tsunami?
    Community Answer
    It is hard to say which country would have the worst tsunami as a number of factors would come into play. That said, Japan or Sumatra are the most tsunami prone countries and New Zealand is tsunami prone as well.
  • Question
    Are there tsunamis in California?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is possible for there to be a tsunami in California.
  • Question
    How many hours can a tsunami last?
    Community Answer
    The tsunami itself is over very quickly, it is the flooding and other after effects that you really have to worry about.
  • Question
    Could there be a tsunami in NY?
    Emily M Perez
    Community Answer
    Yes, there could, although it's pretty rare as there are no undersea subduction zones near that particular area. However, there IS a supervolcano in the Canary Islands near Spain called Cumbre Vieja which could potentially spawn a megatsunami 100+ feet high which could hit the east coast of the United States if it were to collapse.
  • Question
    What happens if a tsumani comes and stays for years?
    Julian Mulroy
    Community Answer
    That is impossible. A tsunami will cause a large flood, but the water recedes back to the ocean pretty soon.
  • Question
    Why would you climb a tree during a tsunami?
    Community Answer
    To get above the water. You should stay there until help comes to you. But make sure to climb onto a very sturdy tree.
  • Question
    What do I do if I cannot evacuate?
    Emily M Perez
    Community Answer
    If you cannot reach high ground in time, you could still vertically evacuate in a large, stable building with two or more floors. Another option is to climb a tall, sturdy tree.
  • Question
    What do I do if I don't know how to swim?
    Community Answer
    Even swimmers may find it difficult to swim in a disaster. Try holding onto something that floats, and try paddling to a safer place and shout for help.
  • Question
    Should I try to help and find other survivors?
    Community Answer
    You should get yourself to safety first. Trying to help other people can sometimes be dangerous in natural disasters, so it's better to leave that to the professionals (unless you see someone in immediate danger that you know you can help without risking your own life).
  • Question
    How can I find out if a tsunami will hit my area well in advance?
    Community Answer
    Listen to your local authorities and weather stations. Sometimes tsunamis can be predicted several hours ahead of time, but sometimes there isn't as much advanced warning.
  • Question
    What if I cannot climb up high enough?
    Community Answer
    You better run. If you don't get to higher ground, you will most likely have to swim. Death is possible.
  • Question
    What if we have a baby/toddler, would it survive?
    Community Answer
    It depends on if it does or does not come with you, but yes, there is a chance of a baby or toddler surviving. If you take care of it, it should survive if you do.
  • Question
    Have there been any tsunamis in Europe?
    Community Answer
    Yes, there have been many tsunamis in Europe. The most recent being in 2011 Cornwall, England. One of the most known is the 1755 Lisbon, Portugal tsunami.
  • Question
    What if there are no hills and mountains or high places around?
    Community Answer
    Get as far from the shore and as high up as possible, then.
  • Question
    What time of year or what season do tsunamis occur in, also what areas are mostly tsunami prone?
    Community Answer
    They can occur at any time during the year and they often start on the edges of tectonic plates.
  • Question
    Will a house break in a tsunami?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the location and structure of the house, but this is certainly possible (and very likely if the home is close to the water during a severe tsunami).
  • Question
    What do I do if I don't see the tsunami until it's too late?
    Megan Bundy
    Community Answer
    If you're struck by a tsunami, depending on your age, and how strong or weak you are, you can die from the force of impact, depending on the Tsunami. You can survive impact if you can swim well or have a good body.
  • Question
    What will happen if I sink in a tsunami?
    Community Answer
    You will probably be taken out by the current, as it would be too strong to fight against. The constant waves will likely keep you underwater, and ultimately drown you.
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