8 Things You Shouldn't Do During a Tsunami

       Tsunamis are one of the most destructive events triggered by Mother Nature. Tsunami waves can move as fast as an airplane in high seas. These extremely powerful tidal waves are capable of crushing everything found in their path. Tsunamis have formed in response to powerful seaquakes, underwater explosions and volcanic eruptions. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), more than 260,000 people have suffered in 58 different tsunamis for the past 100 years. At an average of 4,600 deaths per disaster, the toll has surpassed any other natural hazard. That is why they will make a World Tsunami Awareness Day on November 5 2016, so that people may be prepared for a tsunami at any given time. With its rising death toll and unpredictable attacks, it is only right for people to be mindful of certain precautionary measures during the event of a tsunami. Now here is a list of things people must not do during a tsunami attack.

1. Rush to the beach to see the big wave

When you see surges of water rushing towards the shore that can sometimes reach over a hundred feet, having a standoff against a gigantic wave is probably the most illogical thing that a person can do. These enormous walls of water can cause widespread destruction when they crash ashore. Its waves are also strong enough to push over a car, so don’t even think about swimming through a tsunami.  It’s going to hit you like a truck and you’re going die instantly.  Never ever attempt to do such thing, please.

2. Rush to the beach to see what has been washed up on shore

One of the signs that a tsunami is about to occur is when the water along the shoreline recedes dramatically. When this happens, you might spot beautiful rocks or any sea creatures near the shore, but do not attempt to pick them up because it only means that a tsunami is coming your way.  Tsunamis have waves that can travel at speeds of 500 miles or 805 kilometers an hour, almost as fast as a jet plane, so do not underestimate these waves. The next time you see the water along the shoreline recede dramatically, you know what to do.

3. Hop in your car to get to higher ground

You might think that it's faster to get on your car and just drive away; but the thing is, it's actually not recommended to use your car during the event of a tsunami. If the tsunami is caused by a local earthquake, it might cause roads to become cracked and impassable. The velocity of the water will be also strong enough to blow debris and no matter how fast the car is, it would be difficult to outrun the water. If there is an alternate way to get to higher ground, use it. It's safer and faster than using your car to evacuate the area.

4. Stop to pack your most cherished possessions to take with you

If you want to get swallowed by the tsunami, go ahead. Packing up your beloved possessions is the last thing you should do if you want to live. It will take up all your time to escape to higher ground or someplace safe. If there is anything that needs to be packed, it's your very own emergency disaster kit. You should have at least made your own kit prior to any disaster. At the very least, you should make one for your home, work, and your vehicle (if you have one) so if the worse were to happen, you are ready.

5. Waiting for an official warning to evacuate

Act now before it's too late. After an earthquake, one should be aware that a tsunami may come at any minute. Please, do not wait for the tsunami to occur before evacuating or running away. By the time you evacuate, you will have been wallowed by the tsunami as well as the debris that come with it. Do not wait anymore for a warning signal or siren to tell you to escape because it might have been destroyed or affected by the tsunami. If you live near the coast and an earthquake occurs, it might be possible for a tsunami to happen so try to be alert for anything that might happen.

6. Not knowing the nearest tsunami escape route from your home

If you do not know your escape route, you are in a very dangerous situation. It will cause panic and anxiety, which may affect your valuable time to evacuate. You might end up going the wrong direction which will put yourself in more danger. At least every once in a while, learn to be familiar with the escape routes so when the actual thing happens, you won't be swallowed by the depths of the sea.

7. Worrying and not keeping calm

                    

Worrying and panicking, the main reason why there are so much casualties in a natural disaster. You could call it, a disaster's partner in crime. Of course it will be difficult to keep an air of calmness when doom is wrecking all over, but it is important to ensure your safety. Time will be an important factor but it does not mean you should forget about all the warnings and precautions. Do not panic or worry. Please. Worrying only worsens your situation and can cost you time and maybe even your life.

8. Not being familiar with the emergency and disaster plan at your office

Another reason why people die in tsunamis. It's because they have no idea where to move or go in cases like this. When you work in an office, check out and learn where are the emergency exits are every once in a while. Familiarize yourself with them so if the worst were to happen, you would be able to save yourself. Even though you could just follow the others, it is better to be familiar with the actual place itself. Also, it is very important to practice your escape route. Learn how much time it takes to reach safety and any possible issues or troubles that might happen along the way. As the saying goes, it's better to be safe than sorry. 

         Now that you've read this whole post, try to at least do a couple of things stated above. This is not a joke. Natural disasters can wreck havoc across anything that comes to its way. At the very least, try to learn your escape routes, pack up your evacuation kits, and pray to God for safety and protection. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.

References: 
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Fitzsimons, J. (n.d.). 7 Things NOT to Do in a Natural Disaster. Retrieved from: http://www.tripbase.com/blog/7-things-not-to-do-in-a-natural-disaster/

10th anniversary of Indian Ocean Tsunami. (2014, December 26). Retrieved from: http://www.slideshare.net/fluffy22/10th-anniversary-of-indian-ocean-tsunami

Hernandez, Mk. (n.d.). Tsunami. [digital image]. Retrieved from: https://www.tes.com/lessons/xRpcm0tL568zlg/tsunami

Folding vs. Rolling Clothes for Packing: 3 Things To Consider (n.d.). [digital image]. Retrieved from: http://travelfashiongirl.com/folding-vs-rolling-clothes-for-packing/

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