How Older Adults And Caregivers Can Prepare For Tsunamis

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, resulting in tsunami warnings for countries along the Pacific, including the US West Coast.

This event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being informed and prepared for natural disasters, such as tsunamis.

While these events impact everyone, older adults face distinct challenges during emergencies.

Studies show that older adults often have limited mobility, chronic health conditions, and may depend on regular medications, making quick evacuations and access to medical care particularly difficult. Additionally, many older adults lack comprehensive emergency plans or reliable access to real-time alerts, which further increases their vulnerability during a disaster.

Preparing Before a Tsunami

Know Your Risk Identify if your home or frequent locations fall within tsunami hazard zones using official local maps and tools. The FEMA National Risk Index Offers a visual representation of tsunami risk levels across the nation. View it here.

For people in California, scroll down the blog. Stay Informed

Stay ahead of a tsunami threat by signing up for local tsunami alerts. Reach out to your local officials to learn more about local notification systems and how you can receive them. You can also search online using keywords like "Emergency notifications," "emergency alerts," plus your local area for additional resources. For example, search “Tsunami alerts California” or “Hawaii tsunami warnings” to get localized information.

Image from the National Weather Service

You can also tune in your local NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) which broadcasts essential information for all types of hazards, including tsunami warnings and alerts. Find your local NOAA weather station here. You can also get a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio to receive official messages and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ensure that you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts. These are short, urgent messages sent by authorized authorities to keep you informed during emergencies. These alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration to grab your attention. To ensure your phone can receive these critical alerts, follow these steps:

• Opt-In: Make sure you are subscribed to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts. Learn how enable notifications here.
  

• Check Airplane Mode: Ensure your phone is not in airplane mode, as this will prevent alerts from coming through.
  

• Confirm WEA Capability: Contact your wireless provider to verify that your phone is WEA-capable.
  

• If you're active on social media, be sure to follow the National Tsunami Warning Center and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) on their official accounts. These government organizations provide critical updates and alerts. You can find their official pages and more information here.
  

• Additionally, you can download the FEMA app to receive real-time alerts and updates for tsunami warnings and other emergencies directly to your phone. Download it here.
  

Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 Portable Charger A slim, lightweight 10,000mAh portable charger that offers fast and reliable power on the go

Buy Here

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply Grab & Go Bucket

A convenient, stackable emergency food bucket with 120 servings of nutritious, easy-to-make meals that provide up to 25 years of shelf life

Buy Here

First Aid Only 299-Piece First Aid Kit

A comprehensive and compact 299-piece first aid kit with organized compartments

Buy Here

Assemble An Older Adult Focused Emergency Kit

• Include at least a 3-day supply of all prescription medications with clear labeling.

  
  

• Keep copies of important medical documents and emergency contacts in waterproof containers.

  
  

• Pack assistive devices (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, mobility aids) and comfort items such as blankets.

  
  

• Don’t forget snacks that meet dietary restrictions, water, and personal hygiene products.
  

• Learn more about emergency kits from the National Institute on Aging.

Create a Tsunami Preparedness Plan

• Create a communication plan with your loved ones that includes designated meeting spots and a list of emergency contacts, in case you get separated during a tsunami.
  

• Know where your local evacuation areas are by checking evacuation centers near you. Find them here. The American Red Cross suggests moving at least two miles inland and to an elevation of at least 100 feet if you’re near the coast.
  

• Map out clear evacuation routes to your safe places from your home, workplace, or any frequently visited locations within a tsunami hazard or evacuation zone.
  

• Practice walking your evacuation routes regularly, including at night and in poor weather conditions. Familiarity with the routes will make evacuation faster and more efficient should the need arise.
  

Home Safety Measures

Make sure the home has clear pathways for quick evacuation especially the older adult you care for has limited mobility.

During A Tsunami

It’s important for caregivers to frequently check on older adults, especially those with medical conditions or limited mobility, to assess any signs of medical issues such as difficulty breathing, dehydration, or injury. Keep them calm by providing reassurance and focusing on clear communication. Ensure they have everything they need medications, water, and comfort items. Caregivers must also remember not to neglect their own well-being. While it's important to be there for the person you're caring for, make sure to take breaks when you can, stay hydrated, and look after your own safety. If you're feeling overwhelmed, do not hesitate to reach out for help for support. Stay out of tsunami hazard or evacuation zones until local officials confirm it is safe to return. Remember, the first wave may not be the last or the largest, and the danger can persist for hours or even days. Avoid fallen power lines, and stay clear of buildings, bridges, and piers as heavy objects could fall during aftershocks.

Stay away from the water, including beaches and waterways. A tsunami may bring strong currents or waves that are dangerous to anyone in or near the water.

Image from tsunamizone.org

After A Tsunami

Before returning home, make sure the environment is safe. FEMA provides essential tips on how to safely return after a disaster. Learn more here. Additionally, take this opportunity to evaluate your preparedness plan. Write down what aspects of your current disaster preparedness could be improved. This reflection can help you identify areas to strengthen, ensuring you’re better equipped for future emergencies. Approximately 80% of older adults live with at least one chronic health condition, which can make them more vulnerable during a disaster compared to those without such conditions. Caregivers should be especially attentive to signs of PTSD, depression, or stress in older adults, as these can be exacerbated by traumatic events. Learn more about how trauma affects older adults and the unique considerations for their care here. California-Specific Tsunami Resources

• California Tsunami Maps This resource identifies tsunami hazards across California. You can view detailed maps to better understand potential risks in your area. View Tsunami Maps here.
  

• My Hazards Tool My Hazards is a helpful tool for discovering risks like earthquakes, floods, fires, and tsunamis in your area. By entering your address, city, or zip code, or selecting a location from the map, you can access detailed information about the hazards in your region and receive recommendations on how to reduce personal risk. Explore My Hazards here.
  

• Additional Tsunami Resources in California For further information on California’s tsunami risks, preparedness, and safety tips, check out these resources: California Tsunami Zone Resources
  

• California Geological Survey (CGS) Tsunami Preparedness Guide The California Geological Survey provides a comprehensive tsunami preparedness guide. Learn about potential hazards and the steps to take to stay safe. View the Preparedness Guide.
  

• LA County Tsunami Resources For residents of Los Angeles County, this website offers important tsunami-related information, including evacuation routes, preparedness tips, and emergency contacts. Learn More from LA County.
  

Conclusion Proper preparedness can significantly reduce the impact natural disasters. Make the time to review and strengthen your disaster plans, ensure all communication systems are in place and regularly check in on the older adults in your care.