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(CNN Spanish) - Tsunamis are "among the most infrequent dangers on Earth," says the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (NOAA).
The NOAA notes that although tsunamis do not occur very often, and are often small and non-destructive "they represent a great threat to coastal communities, particularly in the Pacific."
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A tsunami, says NOAA, can occur on any coast of the ocean and on which it can hit any coast of the ocean at any time. “There is no season for tsunamis. We cannot predict where, when or how destructive the next tsunami will be, ”they add.
However, they point out that there are measures that people can take that could save their lives if they become in the area of a tsunami.
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What to do to prepare for a tsunami?
- Be attentive to the centers that issue tsunami alerts
- Find out if your home, school, workplace or the places you usually visit are in danger zones or tsunami evacuation
- Subscribe to warning center alerts, either by email or text message
- Talk to your family and discuss the plan they will have to prepare for a disaster.
- Search for evacuation routes in the places you frequent
- If you are sailing and receive a tsunami alert, “make a plan and make a disaster supply kit to keep on board your ship. Keep in mind that coastal facilities may be damaged, so if you are at sea during a tsunami, you may not be able to return to the port you left. Get ready to stay at sea for a day or more, ”says NOAA.
What to do during a tsunami?
- The NOAA says there are two types of tsunami warning: the official one, issued by the authorities, and the natural one, which are the changes you can see in the ocean if you are in a tsunami-prone area. Among the signs is the rapid decline in sea level or a loud roar that comes from the ocean.
- If you receive any type of warning, do not enter the water and stay away from beaches and water
- Evacuate if indicated by the authorities, says NOAA. If there is no safe place to go, try to go to the highest area and far from the sea
What to do after a tsunami?
“After a tsunami, local officials will assess the damage and tell you when it is safe to return. Although the danger of the tsunami has passed, other dangers may remain, ”says NOAA.
- Stay in a safe place: it may be days before it is safe to return to the affected area
- Stay informed: follow radio or television stations with official information to know where to take refuge and which areas to avoid. Limit phone calls only to emergencies so as not to saturate the lines
- Inform your loved ones that you are well. Search for websites or social networks that activate the option to mark you as safe.
tsunami