How to Plan for a Tsunami: Your Guide to Riding Out the Surge
Tsunamis are nature’s bulldozers—walls of water triggered by earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions, capable of drowning coastlines in minutes. They don’t mess around: waves can hit 20-30 feet high, moving at 500 mph in the open ocean, slowing only to unleash chaos onshore.
In the US, we call them tidal waves. I’m so glad I’ve never been in one. That looks so scary. I also wouldn’t want to be in the earthquake that caused it! Of these disasters I’ve been covering, I’m trying to decide if this is worse or a wildfire. Neither sounds like fun.
How Would You Plan for a Tsunami?
At GoldenSurvivalist.com, we don’t just watch the tide roll in—we fight to stay above it. Whether you’re beachside or miles inland, here’s your battle-tested plan to prepare for a tsunami and come out alive.
Step 1: Spot the Warning Before the Wave
Tsunamis rarely strike unannounced—they’re often tied to seismic rumbles. A coastal earthquake? That’s your cue—especially if it’s strong and lasts over 20 seconds. The ocean can tip you off, too: a sudden receding tide exposing the seafloor, a loud roar like an oncoming train, or water surging unnaturally. Official alerts—sirens, NOAA radio, or phone warnings—seal the deal.
Read this: S.M.A.R.T. Plans for Survival Preppers, Part I
Know your zone: check FEMA or local tsunami aka tidal wave hazard maps. Low-lying areas near bays or rivers are prime targets, even inland. Stay hooked to real-time sources—USGS for quakes, National Tsunami Warning Center for updates. X can buzz with eyewitness chatter when seconds count. Awareness is your first wall against the flood.
Step 2: Map a Plan That Beats the Rush
When a tsunami’s coming, you’ve got one job: get high, get far, get fast. Evacuation is king—aim for high ground (100 feet above sea level or more) or a mile inland, whichever’s closer. Pick routes ahead—roads flood or jam quickly, so know pedestrian paths, too: hills, tall buildings, even sturdy trees if you’re desperate. Time it: waves can hit within 10-30 minutes of a local quake, so practice a 5-minute exit drill with your crew—family, pets, the works.
If you can’t run, go vertical—upper floors of concrete buildings (not wood—waves shred them). Designate a meet-up spot post-flood—a ridge, a school rooftop—and a regional contact to coordinate if phones die. If on a boat, head to deep water—tsunamis lose punch past 600 feet deep. Write your plan and test it—when the water rises, you won’t have time to think.
Related: Emergency Scenarios Seniors Need To Prepare For
Step 3: Pack a Kit to Outlast the Deluge
Tsunamis can wash away infrastructure—roads, power, clean water—leaving you stranded for days. Your kit needs to float you through 5-7 days:
- Water: One gallon per person per day—floods ruin taps with saltwater and sewage.
- Food: Waterproof, no-cook grub—sealed jerky, energy bars, canned tuna with a pull-tab.
- Gear: Flashlight, batteries, a whistle for rescue, and a life jacket or inflatable raft if you’re coastal. A radio (hand-crank or solar) tracks warnings.
- Health: First-aid kit, extra meds, water purification tablets—floodwater’s a disease soup.
- Docs: IDs, insurance papers in a waterproof bag—chaos eats paperwork.
Store it high—attic, top shelf—or in a buoyant pack you can grab on the run. Check it every season; soggy supplies sink you when it counts.
Step 4: Shore Up Your Defenses
You can’t stop a tsunami, but you can blunt its bite. Elevate what matters—electronics, heirlooms—off ground floors. Bolt furniture to walls; loose items become battering rams in a surge. Seal basement vents and doors with sandbags or barriers—slow the inflow. If you’re building, go for reinforced concrete and raised foundations—wood homes float away.
Outside, clear debris—logs, trash cans—that waves can weaponize. Plant deep-rooted trees or berms as natural brakes if you’ve got land. Know your utilities—shut off gas and power post-quake to dodge fires or shocks in flooded zones. Every tweak buys you time to flee or hunker.
Step 5: Stay Nimble When the Water Hits
Tsunamis don’t play fair—first waves might be small, lulling you, and then monsters follow. Heed alerts: a watch means prepare, a warning means move now. If evacuating, don’t gawk—run or drive inland, avoiding bridges or river valleys where water funnels. If trapped, climb—roofs, towers—anything solid and high. Hold tight; currents drag hard.
Post-wave, steer clear of water—it’s laced with debris, toxins, and downed lines. Signal rescue with a bright cloth or noise—yelling fades in the roar. Multiple waves can hit hours apart, so stay elevated until all-clear sounds. Flexibility is survival—adapt or drown.
Final Thoughts
Tsunamis are liquid fury, but preparation turns the tide. At Golden Survivalist, we don’t bow to the flood—we rise above it. Know the signs, lock in your escape, pack your kit, brace your base, and stay swift. When the ocean charges, you’ll be the one still standing as the waters recede. Act today—the next quake won’t wait. Stay bold, stay dry!
