Save the Children shares 9 Tsunami Safety Tips to Keep Children Safe

TOKYO, 30 July - A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula has triggered tsunami waves and sparked evacuations across countries in the Pacific Ocean. Save the Children offers these tsunami safety tips to show parents what to do when a tsunami hits. 

When there's a tsunami alert

1.Expect aftershocks - Large earthquakes may have aftershocks that may trigger tsunamis. When the earthquake stops, move your family members to higher ground – away from the coast.

2. Get to safe shelter immediately - Evacuate immediately when you hear a tsunami warning and prepare for evacuation when a tsunami is expected.

3. Stay away from oceans, rivers and other bodies of water - When sea water is receding fast, it's very likely that a tsunami is coming. A tsunami may be coming even when the ocean level doesn't drop.

Things to consider once you know you are safe after tsunami

4. Surviving after a tsunami - Stay warm using available blankets, sheets of newspaper or clothes. Know your nearest source of clean drinking water as drinking water may be in short supply. 

5.  Save water - As water might be scarce, save any water for other needs such as bathing or washing dishes.

6.  Life in an evacuation shelter - Be considerate of others as many people might be staying together in an evacuation shelter. If possible, create separate spaces for babies and parents. 

7.  Create safe spaces for children - Inside evacuation shelters, create safe spaces for children, if possible, where they can recover and play.

8. If it’s safe, include your children in clean-up activities after a tsunami - Children will find comfort in having a job to do and seeing the household return to normal. Help people who are in need of assistance while being cautious of dangers.

9.  Listen to children - Allow children to express their feelings after the tsunami. Listen carefully and offer reassurance. Remind them that the situation is not permanent, and their safety is your priority.

References

[1] https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/?extent=-60.75916,-209.88281&extent=84.9593,183.86719&sort=largest

[2] https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250730_80/