How to Protect Yourself from a Tsunami
A Profile of a Tsunami
A large Tsunami can be expected to reach Higashi Town 4 minutes at the earliest after an earthquake occurs.
A tsunami can reach very high places.
There can be many waves during a tsunami.
A tsunami can travel far inland along rivers and canals.
A tsunami often starts as a very big wave..
The first wave is not always the largest one.
A tsunami is usually higher and stronger at the entrance of a bay or at the tip of a peninsula.
The height and time a tsunami arrives can vary between locations depending on where the earthquake occurs.
It can be difficult to stand or walk even in a shallow tsunami
The rushing water from a tsunami can wash away many heavy things.
Boats close to land may be endangered and washed up on shore like toys.
The force of the tsunami can be particularly strong at the entrance of a port.
Important things to remember for successful evacuation from a tsunami
After an earthquake don't wait for the tsunami to come before seeking higher ground
A tsunami can come from faraway. Even if there is no shake in Urakawa, evacuate immediately when you hear a tsunami warning.
If there is no higher ground go to the top of a tall building or evacuation tower
Don't leave the evacuation center or other safe place until the tsunami warning is cleared.
Preparation for tsunami evacuation
Please determine a safe place to go when you need to evacuate.
Make sure to determine your route for evacuation ahead of time.
In winter season, find evacuation route to a shelter with a heating facility.
Make an evacuation plan with special consideration on potential landslide zones.
Prepare the map by writing your evacuation route on it. Prepare alternative evacuation routs. Roads can be blocked with collapse of buildings and fires when an earth quake or a tsunami happens.
Remember what the sign signifying an evacuation place looks like.
In preparation for disaster have a rucksack prepared with necessary materials such as a flashlight and medicine if you need it.
This is a good example of a sign pointing to an evacuation center.
An example of a route to an evacuation center.
The Urakawa High School is an example of an evacuation center.
The evacuation center close to this house is at a too low elevation for safety during a tsunami. The Urakawa High School was chosen as an evacuation center for this residence because it is on higher ground.
After deciding your evacuation center, plan the fastest and safest route to get there. Practice using this route.
For example, after leaving the house turn to the left towards the railroad crossing.
Turn to the right walking down the street.
Cross the railroad and make sure to watch for oncoming trains.
After crossing the railroad tracks, turn to the left towards the red house.
Turn to the right towards the national highway.
Cross the national highway. Be careful of oncoming cars.
Go straight towards the Urakawa High School.
You will see the sign for the evacuation place and the yellow tactile blocks.
Continue past the sign for the Urakawa High School along the road.
Go towards the building.
You have arrived at the evacuation place!
"Preparation" and "evacuation" will help you feel secured and safe.
Profile of the characters created by Takashi Yanase.