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Plan for Safety
If you live in a tsunami zone, or are staying in one on vacation, work out a plan of where to go in the event of a warning. To find out if you live in or are vacationing in a tsunami zone, contact the tsunami warning center closest to your region, such as the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Your escape plan will differ according to where you are at the time, but should include going immediately to your nearest safe area within 15 minutes' travel. Safe areas are 3.2 km (2 miles) inland or ground 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level, or simply as far inland and as high as you can go in the available time, while keeping away from rivers and streams that lead to the ocean. Practice going to your safe place, so that you're familiar with the route even at night or in poor visibility.
Watch for Warnings
Knowing all the warning signs of a tsunami can save precious minutes in your reaction time. Natural signs of a tsunami include a rapid fall in sea-water level, an ocean roar or an earthquake. You may also hear a siren, emergency personnel may knock on your door, or public media may make announcements on radio and TV. Don't wait to hear an official announcement. You should react to whichever sign you notice first, whether natural or official. If you're by the coast and feel an earthquake or hear a tsunami warning, don't wait to see the water draw back. Not all tsunamis begin with a drop in ocean water level.
Move to a Refuge
Fast but calm movement to a safe place should be your immediate reaction to a tsunami warning. Drop whatever you're carrying at the time and stay away from downed power lines. Move to the place indicated by your safety plan, or, if responsible personnel such as teachers, emergency or law enforcement authorities are present, follow their instructions. The upper stories of tall, reinforced concrete hotels may offer a safe refuge if you're unable to get to high ground quickly. In low-lying areas, moving to any higher elevation, such as climbing a tree, is safer than staying on the ground. Holding onto an item that floats may also help save your life. If you're in a large boat or ship, moving to deep water is often the safest option. Mooring your boat and traveling to high ground inland is safer if you're in a small boat, though you should rely on harbor authorities for guidance.
Stay Put
Waiting patiently in your place of refuge should keep you safe until danger is past. The first tsunami wave is rarely the largest and surges can last longer than 12 hours. Stay in a safe place until an official tells you the tsunami is over. Check yourself and others for injuries. Put pressure on and raise any part of the body that's bleeding. Don't move injured people, but cover them with blankets if available. Municipal water supplies are likely to be contaminated, so drink only bottled water if it is available, and check that food items are unspoiled before eating. Maintain good hygiene, such as washing your hands before eating, as far as possible, to help avoid catching any diseases that may break out. Tsunamis sometimes introduce dangerous animals into an area, so take care when moving through affected areas once officials have told you the tsunami is over.