What a tsunami hazard has in common with a nuclear war threat

Perspectives from flood insurance specialists

There is a war of words between the US president and the dictator of North Korea and it does not seem to bode well for the United States. As the evil ‘rocket man’ threatens to use nuclear force against the United States, the associated island located closest to the source becomes nervous.

The sense of nervousness seems to be underlined by the government bigwigs. “Get ready,” they tell residents on the Pacific coast.

How exactly does one prepare for an epic attack promised by someone who intends to destroy? Officials cite a tsunami as an example.

The Pacific coast is no stranger to fear of a tsunami. In the year 1957, in fact, what is known as a ‘distant source’ tsunami was generated in the region by an earthquake that occurred 2,100 miles away!

Insurance providers say the devastating results were $5 million in property, auto, and home damage.

In retrospect to that terrible event, the emergency services have devised a plan to minimize the risks. Officials of the same plan now say residents should use it if, God forbid, residents face a showdown with the nuclear arsenal.

Here are the important steps to take if a tsunami or nuclear threat is looming.

• Find out about the risk in question. Contact emergency groups for any information they can provide. Find out how high your street is above sea level and how far your street is from the coast and any other high-risk locations.
• Tourists should talk to hotel or motel staff about risks and evacuation routes.
• Design your own evacuation strategy by planning an escape route that takes you at least one hundred feet from your residence, or in an upward direction that is two miles inland from the coast, or as far as you can manage. Your plan should include escaping on foot within fifteen minutes of the evacuation starting time. Follow the officially posted evacuation routes on the way to safe havens.
• Conduct evacuation drills with your family during key times: day, night, and during inclement weather.
• Check with an experienced independent insurance agency for flood coverage because your standard homeowners policy doesn’t include it.
• Stay informed about warnings and observations through radio and social networks.
• Get your family together to discuss what to expect and make a plan in case family members get separated.
• Stock your emergency kit with essentials like an adequate supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, radio, and other necessities. Put your kit by the door so you can quickly grab it in case of an emergency.