Subscribe
YOKOSUKA, Japan - Fleet Activities, Yokosuka will be joining naval installations both domestic and overseas in taking steps to not only become StormReady, but also TsunamiReady as a part of the September National Preparedness Month under NavyReady, a pro-active Navy-wide emergency preparedness, public awareness program.
To be recognized as StormReady or TsunamiReady, communities must meet certain guidelines established by the National Weather Service in partnership with federal, state, and local emergency management officials. In Japan storms alone are of high importance, but a tsunami can be much more destructive, as seen during the events of Mar. 11, 2011.
According the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Tsunamis are categorized as ocean waves produced by earthquakes or underwater landslides. The word is Japanese and means “harbor wave,” because of the devastating effects these waves have had on low-lying Japanese coastal communities.
Tsunamis are often incorrectly referred to as tidal waves, but a tsunami is actually a series of waves that can travel at speeds averaging 450 (and up to 600) miles per hour in the open ocean. In the open ocean, tsunamis would not be felt by ships because the wavelength would be hundreds of miles long, with an amplitude of only a few feet. This would also make them unnoticeable from the air. As the waves approach the coast, their speed decreases and their amplitude increases. Unusual wave heights have been known to be over 100 feet high. However, waves that are 10 to 20 feet high can be very destructive and cause many deaths or injuries.
Being prepared for such a disaster empowers you to have a better chance of potentially saving lives, property, and time. Emergencies happen, often with little or no notice and by taking action beforehand you can be prepared for any emergency.
To be prepared for a tsunami, you should be informed and know basic tsunami terminology. You should also make a written family emergency communication evacuation plan, identifying a place to evacuate that is at least 100 feet above sea level or two miles inland that is reachable within 15 minutes. It is also important to have a back up plan in the event that family members are separated.
It is advised that FLEACT personnel have a viable way to maintain paperwork and having a NEO Packet/Evaluation Document items are important. Items included would be a Power of Attorney, marriage certificates, naturalization certificates, insurance policies and financial records. An emergency kit is also essential to survival. Amongst the items needed would be a flashlight, first aid kit, required prescription drugs, toiletries and sanitizers to name a few.
In the event of a tsunami, there are several things that can be done to help save lives, from staying tuned to the radio or TV for more information or instructions; immediately getting to higher ground, preferably a previously identified area, to mustering with your command if you are military or civilian personnel or a member of the selective reserves.
“The safety and emergency preparedness of Navy personnel and families is a high priority for us,” says Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Emergency Management Program Manager, Margie Lutz. “In partnering with the National Weather Service and receiving the StormReady and TsunamiReady designation, we continue to strengthen our hazardous weather plans, monitorization and notification systems, and training and public awareness programs for a global Ready Navy community.”
For more information on how to prepare for any disaster, visit http://www.ready.navy.mil.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2013 03:12 |
| Story ID: | 114221 |
| Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 138 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, FLEACT, Yokosuka be storm and tsunami ready, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
