Research it. You can use these questions to guide you

TSUNAMI

1. What causes it?

A tsunami is a series of extremely long waves caused by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean, usually the result of an earthquake below or near the ocean floor. This force creates waves that radiate outward in all directions away from their source, sometimes crossing entire ocean basins.

2. Where and when does it usually happen?

Of the 754 confirmed events in the Global Historical Tsunami Database between 1900 and 2015, about 78% occurred in the Pacific Ocean (around the geologically active “Ring of Fire”), 8% in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, 6% in the Mediterranean Sea, 5% in the Indian Ocean, and 1% in other seas.

3. What effects can it have?

In addition to loss of life and mass injuries, other potential impacts include damage to and destruction of homes and businesses, ports and harbors, cultural resources, utilities, and critical infrastructure and facilities. There may be loss of access to basic services such as power, sewer, and water.

4. What should people do before, during, and after it happens?

Before

• Find out if your home, school, workplace or other frequently visited locations are in tsunami hazard areas. For high risk areas, know the earthquake and tsunami plans for each location. 
• Contact your municipality to know the risks, evacuation and alerting system in your community. Know the sound of the alert and make sure all in your family are familiar with it and what to do. Sign up for local alerts.
• For up-to-date information from coast to coast to coast, the Government of Canada and the Canadian National Seismograph Network monitor significant earthquake reports in Canada. 
• Make a personalized preparedness emergency kit. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
• Kits should include practical items such as drinking water, food, cash, and a portable radio. However, they should also include items that are unique to your own families’ needs. This could include baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, etc.
• If you have already dipped into your emergency kit and food supply while staying at home, consider safely getting the supplies to replenish it following your local public health authorities’ guidelines for leaving your residence.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic also add hygiene items such as hand sanitizer and non-medical masks to your kit to keep your family safe during an evacuation.

During

• A strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more near the coast. 
• A noticeable rapid rise or fall of coastal waters. 
• Coastal water making unusual noise. The noise may sounds like an approaching train, plane, or whistling. 
• Following an earthquake, move quickly to higher ground away from the coast. In case of a tsunami warning,  be prepared ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. 
• Follow posted evacuation routes, where present. Take your animals with you but do not delay your evacuation to collect them. 
• A tsunami is a series of waves that can continue for hours and the next waves may be larger than earlier ones. Do not assume that after one wave, the danger is over. If you cannot evacuate to higher ground, evacuate vertically to a higher floor, onto a roof, up a tree, or grab a floating object. 
• If you are at sea, stay there. Boats are generally safer in water deeper than 20 metres. Ships are safest on high seas in water deeper than 100 metres. 
• Watching a tsunami could put you in grave danger. If you can see the wave, you are too close to escape it. 
• Monitor the tsunami’s progress and listen for warnings or instructions from local officials. If you are safe when the first tsunami hits, stay put until authorities declare all is safe as more waves may follow.

After

• Be prepared for aftershocks, which could generate another tsunami. 
• Return home only after local officials tell you it is safe. A tsunami is a series of waves that may continue for hours. Do not assume that after one wave the danger is over. The next wave may be larger than the first one. 
• Be aware of secondary effects. These include landslides, contaminated water, mudflows, damaged bridges, buildings and roads, and other hazards. 
• Only make calls if you require emergency services.
• Stay out of any building that has water around it. Tsunami force can cause floors to crack or walls to collapse. 
• If you suspect your home is unsafe, do not enter. Rely on the professionals to clear your home for re-entry, if you are unsure. 
• Do not light matches or turn on lights or appliances until you are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids spilled. Avoid use of contaminated water.
• Place a HELP sign in your window if you need assistance.
• Experiencing a disaster is challenging enough, but during the COVID-19 pandemic it can feel even more difficult. The Red Cross has many resources available to help you navigate these challenging times. You can also find mental and emotional wellbeing resources on the Public Health Agency of Canada, or any provincial/territorial health authority website.