Did you know that certain parts of Australia’s coast could be hit with a tsunami up to 10 meters high? And if the area is less than 10m above sea level, that 10 meter wave could travel 1km inland? That’s a lot of Aussie homes at risk. But what supplies do you need to survive a tsunami, if one hits? In this 3 minute read, you’ll get a disaster survival kit list designed specifically for tsunamis. So if you’re one of the 80% of Australians that live on our coast, it’s time to pay attention.  As they say in Latin ‘Praemonitus, praemunitus – forewarned is forearmed’. So lets get in to it.

Surviving a tsunami – what to expect?

‘It was like being tossed in a massive washing machine with the entire contents of the island. I didn’t have any sensation except for complete, utter, fear’

– Tsunami survivor Christine Lang

Survivors of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in Indonesia have shared their stories through interviews, documentaries, and books. Their insights describe the utter terror of experiencing such a disaster. These are 5 common themes about what to expect if you’re caught in a tsunami:

1. Slamming force: the Tsunami (waves) are mind-bogglingly powerful. Being struck by one can feel like an unstoppable force. Survivors describe being slammed around by the waves like rag dolls, being thrown against objects, and feeling like they are being pulled out to sea.
2. Deafening noise: The sound of a tsunami is like jet plane engine. The roaring of crashing waves and of buildings being hit, moved and destroyed. Survivors describe the noise as being so loud that it’s hard to think or talk to other people.
3. Fast changing conditions: Tsunamis cause sudden and rapid changes in the environment. Water levels rise and fall in quick succession. The ground may shake. This can cause confusion and disorientation if you’re caught in one.
4. Fear and panic: The suddenness and unpredictability of a tsunami can breed intense fear and panic. You may feel a sense of helplessness at being at the mercy of the sea, and uncertainty about what to do next.
5. Survival instinct: Despite the fear and chaos, survivors speak of a strong survival instinct kicking in. Some experience a heightened sense of awareness and focus, and may work together with others to help each other survive.

So, if these are the risks or the dangers of tsunamis, what can you practically do to survive one?

What helps people survive Tsunamis?

Surviving a tsunami is possible. But it requires a combination of preparedness, education, and quick action in response to the impending threat.

These 6 things can help you survive a Tsunami, if you know how to take advantage of them:

1. Early Warning Systems: Tsunami early warning systems detect potentials tsunamis and alert us about them. In Australia, alerts are broadcast on news and radio. An Tsunami warning signals the need to immediately evacuate and move to higher ground or inland. Especially if you’re living or staying on the coast.

2. Awareness: Knowing the basics about natural tsunami warning signs and what to do if you’re caught in a tsunami, can help save your life. Make sure you know the nearest evacuation routes, the location of high ground, and what action to take in response to early warnings.
3. Evacuation Plans: Having a well-planned evacuation plan and practicing evacuating with your family can help you act quickly and efficiently during an emergency. So in the chaos of the moment, all you have to do is put what you’ve practice into autopilot.
4. Living near high ground or tall buildings: Getting to higher ground or the upper floors of multi-story buildings is your first course of action in a tsunami warning. After all, you may not have time to get yourself 1km inland to escape the waves.
5. Staying Informed: Staying informed about the latest developments and warnings from local authorities can help you make informed decisions about your own safety.
6. Survival or Emergency Kits: Having an Tsunami Survival Kit ready with the essential supplies listed below, can help you survive in the aftermath of a tsunami.

To read more tips to survive a tsunami, check out “How to survive a Tsunami: our Aussie Surf Lifesavers want you to know this!”.

If you’re interested in building a tsunami survival kit, here’s where to find the right survival kit list and uses.

What 5 things can you do to prepare for a Tsunami?

If you know, you know. Here are 5 things you can do, to prepare for a Tsunami:

1. Know your local early warning system. In Australia, it’s run by the BOM and Geoscience Australia.
2. Understand nature’s tsunami warning signs.
3. Have an evacuation plan for your home.
4. Know what action to take if you’re caught in the water or in a boat.
5. Prepare a Tsunami Emergency Kit for your home.

Do you need a Tsunami Emergency Kit?

If you’re one of 80% of Australian’s living on our coasts, and you live in one of the 60% of Aussie coastal homes built on land less than 5 meters above sea level, there’s plenty of reasons to have a Tsunami Emergency Kit at home.

In short, if a Tsunami hits while you’re on holidays or at home, your Tsunami Emergency Kit may help save lives.

So what should you pack in your Tsunami Emergency Kit?

What supplies do you need to survive a Tsunami?

1. Emergency Kit: We recommend you have an Essentials Emergency Go Bag prepared at home, at a minimum, for any emergency or disaster. It includes items needed for emergency preparedness like food, water, first aid supplies, medication, flashlight, batteries, a hand-crank radio, and other essential items to survive for 72 hours without access to outside resources.
2. A map of the area with marked high ground, tall buildings and evacuation routes.
3. Water Storage: You may need to store large amounts of water to sustain yourself and your family in the aftermath of a tsunami. Consider storing enough water for a week. Plan for at least 3 litres per person per day.
4. Food Storage: Store a week’s worth of non-perishable food items that can be easily prepared without electricity or gas. Canned foods, granola bars, and dried fruit are good options. This post of What foods to store for long term survival will help you get your emergency food store together.
5. Tools and Supplies: You may need tools and supplies to repair damage to your home or make a temporary shelter. Check out the list of tools you’ll need below.
6. Backup Power Source: Consider investing in a backup power source, such as a generator or solar panels, to keep your essentials running when the power goes out.
7. Home Safety Measures: You can reinforce your home and make it more resilient to a potential tsunami. This could include installing window shutters or hurricane-resistant glass, and rasing your home above flood level.

What tools do you need to survive a Tsunami?

8. A hammer, nails, saw, pliers and duct tape to make small repairs to your home in the aftermath.
9. A wrench to turn of utilities like gas if you have the time.
10. Tarps, rope or paracord, and plastic sheeting to create temporary shelters.
11. A fire extinguisher to put out small fires.
12. A rope ladder to escape to and from upper floors or roofs.

What other items do you need to survive a Tsunami?

13. Cash ($250 per person) and credit cards, to help get through the aftermath.
14. Waterproof containers to protect important documents and medication.
15. Heavy metal storage boxes, secured to the wall or floor, to keep these waterproof containers in. This will prevent your emergency supplies from washing away (unless your house does).
16. Ziplock bags to protect essential electronics like your iphone, laptop, and ipad. These items can help you plug back into emergency services information after.

If you’re at the beach, boating, or just out and about, it’s unlikely you’ll be carrying your Tsunami Survival Kit with you. So make sure you know what to do if you’re caught in the water during a tsunami.

Conclusion

Living in a coastal area poses a significant risk of being affected by a tsunami, and with over 80% of Australians living on the coast, it’s essential to be prepared. Tsunamis are a powerful force, and surviving one requires preparedness, education, and quick action. Knowing the natural warning signs, having an evacuation plan, being aware of the nearest high ground, and staying informed of the latest developments are just a few things that can help. Being equipped with a Tsunami Emergency Kit is essential, and having a well-stocked Tsunami Emergency Kit can make all the difference. A combination of these things can help you and your family survive if a tsunami hits. It’s time to take the necessary steps and be prepared, as the saying goes, ‘Praemonitus, praemunitus – forewarned is forearmed.’