How Can We Prepare?
Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Identify regions of the world that would be susceptible to a tsunami strike
- List actions people in those regions could take to prepare for a possible tsunami strike
- Compile information regarding Emergency Response Team members
- Form an Emergency Response Team
- Collaborate to create an Emergency Response Plan
Materials
Computers with Internet access
Larger tables or grouped desks for planning areas
Large sheets of paper
Markers
Background
With preparation, fire departments and other public safety agencies can implement effective Tsunami Warning, Evacuation, and Search and Rescue Plans that will serve the public well in the event of a tsunami.
One option is to establish multi-discipline working groups to address this issue at the appropriate levels of government.
Effective public education programs raise awareness about the danger from near-source tsunamis as well as far-source events. Warning systems can include signs posted in multiple languages, and the implementation of audible warning systems (i.e. sirens along endangered coastal zones).
In the event of an earthquake, a fire department should check with authorities to determine whether the earthquake's epicenter is offshore, and to immediately transmit epicenter information to field units so they can react appropriately. If the epicenter is reported to be offshore, there might be standard tsunami warnings and evacuation instructions to be issued by the dispatch center. Even if the epicenter is onshore, there is a potential for tsunamis resulting from underwater landslides. Evacuation to high ground or to a safe distance from the coast until the danger of a tsunami is ruled out may be necessary.
It is essential for communication and dissemination of information before and after a disaster occur in coastal communities, environmental agencies, local administrative authorities and other key stakeholders (such as tourism operators, relief agencies, schools, and other teaching and learning institutions). The more information and education a population has received prior to an emergency, the better their response will be during the emergency.
Teachers in affected areas will have to deal with and teach to the children with post-trauma problems which are unfortunately expected to last for years to come with varying degrees. Some immediate steps could be taken in order to prepare for these needs, including training for teachers and other educational professionals on how to deal with the psycho-social rehabilitation of the pupils (and if possible their parents).
In the event of a disaster, the most urgent action is to attend to the basic needs of the affected populations. However, when reconstruction begins, local authorities and communities need to encourage the participation of local communities in the identification of their needs and in the planning of those projects.
Procedure
Depending on age and ability level of students, create working groups that will research and represent various Emergency Response Team members and the useful information they might be able to contribute.
Although there are many members and contributors to Emergency Response Plans, the choices will be simplified to make the activity manageable for the students. Have the students choose from the table below of possible Emergency Response Team members:
 |
|
|
| Emergency Response Team Members |
|
| Mayor |
|
Coastal Managers |
| Fire Department |
|
Business Owners |
| Police Department |
|
Scientists |
| School Superintendent |
|
Engineers |
| Department of Public Works |
|
Doctors/Hospital |
Assessment
Prepare an Emergency Response Plan and 10 - 15 minute presentation that covers the following information:
- In general, what areas of the world are susceptible to a tsunami?
- How would you educate people about emergency preparation?
- How would you ask people in your town to prepare? How would you ask them to respond after it hits?
- How have other places prepared over the years for tsunamis?
- If you were an engineer planning a city or just a building in a region that could possibly be hit by a tsunami, how might you design it to withstand a tsunami?
- Who would be in charge in the event of a tsunami? (A diagram would be helpful)
- Where would emergency shelters or an evacuation facility be located?
- How would people be warned of the emergency?
- How would people receive information about the event? Even if there was a loss of electricity?
Optionally, each team's response plan may be submitted to this project's online gallery. Read the guidelines.
