Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Millions of earthquakes occur around the world each year. Most are too small or deep to cause significant problems. However, larger ones have the potential to cause significant damage and in some instances tsunamis may occur. Learn more about what you can do to prepare and do during and after such an event. 

Important UTD guidelines for travel abroad 

• Obtain Travel Authorization: Obtain authorization prior to departure. 
• Register Your Trip: Register your trip prior to departure. 
• Save the On Call contact to your phone. Call 24/7 for travel and emergency assistance. 

Before Your Trip 

• Assess destination risks: Check if the area you are traveling to is earthquake prone, and what are the safety recommendations available. 
• Create an emergency communications plan to help you manage emergencies while abroad. 
• Know Your Insurance: Review your UTD coverage benefits for university travel abroad. 
• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program to get alerts for your destination.  

During Your Trip 

• Be Prepared: 
  • Pay attention to local news and weather reports for any earthquake or tsunami warnings. 
  • Familiarize yourself with the local emergency response effectiveness and procedures. 
  • Identify safe places in your accommodation, such as under sturdy furniture or against an interior wall.  
  • Know the evacuation routes and assembly points. 
  • Have a list of emergency contacts and local medical facilities for your destination.  
  • UT Dallas travelers on authorized university activities can get travel and emergency assistance by calling On Call International 24/7 at +1 (978) 651-9722. 
• During an Earthquake:
  • Drop to your hands and knees and cover your head and neck with your arms. 
  • If indoors, stay away from windows and wait until the shaking stops before exiting. 
  • If outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. 
  • If in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop.  
• During a Tsunami:
  • Warning signs of a tsunami by the coast include: A strong earthquake that makes it difficult to stand. A sudden rise or fall in sea level. A loud roar from the ocean. 
  • Move to higher ground immediately if you are in a coastal area and receive a tsunami warning. 
  • Do not wait for official instructions if you feel an earthquake and are near the coast. 
• After the event:
  • Follow guidelines for staying safe after an earthquake, including checking for structural damage and avoiding damaged buildings. 
  • Follow post-tsunami safety measures, such as staying out of floodwater and avoiding damaged areas until authorities declare them safe. 
  • Be aware of waterborne infectious diseases, which can spread through contaminated water and affect your health. 
  • Ensure safe food and water consumption by following guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses after an emergency. 
  • Stay connected, keep in touch with local contacts and follow up on any ongoing risks or aftershocks. 

After your trip 

• Monitor your health for any signs of illness, especially if you were in an area with damaged sanitation systems. 
• Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctors to address any health issues that came up during or after your trip.  

Resources 

• CDC Traveller’s Health – Guidance on health risks, vaccination recommendations, and preventive measures for travelers. It aims to help individuals stay healthy while traveling internationally.  
• CDC Food Safety – Guidance on food safety after a disaster. 
• U.S. Department of State (DOS) – Check the latest safety levels, local laws, and health risks for your destination.  
• Ready.Gov and Smartraveller.gov – These resources provide essential tips on staying safe during earthquakes and tsunamis, understanding key warning signs, and preparing your home, family, and emergency kit for these natural disasters. 
• Get Ready.gov – Check the warning signs of a tsunami.    

---

Tags

---

Related Posts

---