By Christal Harte

March 24-30 marks National Tsunami Awareness Week. Thankfully, there’s no risk of being hit by a tsunami here in Southeastern Pennsylvania; in fact, according to FEMA‘s National Risk Index, the risk so low that it’s not applicable. Regardless, we all travel and have loved ones in other locations, so it’s a good idea to learn about these disasters.

If you are traveling along the Pacific Coast of the United States, there is a greater risk. It’s always a safe bet to do a little bit of research before traveling to your destination on what potential risks you might run into and learning to safeguard you and the parties you are traveling with. Something our family always does when we vacation is purchase travel insurance to make sure that we are covered during most emergencies. You should also create a contingency plan in case a disaster strikes. Be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Tsunamis are triggered by asteroids, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, underwater landslides, and other shifts in our tectonic plates. A tsunami in action can travel about 20-30 miles per hours with waves spanning 10-100 feet high. Signs of a tsunami can include earthquakes, a loud boom from the ocean, a sudden rise from the ocean or a sudden draining of the ocean, where more of the ocean floor is visible. If the ground is shaking, a good rule of thumb is to protect yourself from that earthquake by dropping, covering and holding on. However, if you’re in an area where a tsunami is possible, get to higher ground and move closer inland, as it increases your chances of survival. If you are in a boat, you will have a better chance at survival by moving into deeper waters and away from land.

Click or tap Tsunami Resources for more information.

Looking for a good film that does a decent job of showing what it’s like to experience and survive a Tsunami? There’s a 2012 called “The Impossible” that tells the story of a family who was caught in a 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami while they were on holiday in Thailand. 

Here’s your challenge – learn more about disaster preparedness as it related to tsunami’s and check out a good film!