Disaster preparedness starts with YOU. Let’s Get Ready!

Although Tsunamis are rare in Trinidad and Tobago, we should still know about them and take the necessary precautions to be better prepared.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines a Tsunami as a series of waves caused by an earthquake, undersea volcanic eruption or submarine landslide.

Here are some tips that you can do before, during and after a Tsunami occurs:

Before:

• Learn the warning signs of a Tsunami and ensure that family members and friends can identify these signs as well.

• Create a communication plan and practise your plan with family and friends so that if separated,everyone would know what to do and how to communicate.

• Contact the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MORDLG) regarding the Tsunami alerting procedures, threats and preparedness activities for your community.

During:

• At the onset of Tsunami warning signs, evacuate immediately and get as far inland as possible or to higher ground. Do not wait.

• If you are in a boat, face the direction of the waves and head further out to sea. 

• If you are in a harbour, then move inland as quickly as possible.

After:

• Stay in a safe area until an official recognized authority issues the “ALL CLEAR”, this may take many hours.

• Keep out of stagnant water.

• Help injured or trapped people if possible and call for help if necessary.

Everyone has a role to play in building Trinidad and Tobago’s resilience to disasters. Remember, it is better to be more prepared than less prepared.

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To download the entire brochure on Tsunami Preparedness please click here.