Tsunami Shelters | What You Need to Know

Tsunami shelters are developed by countries like the US where they could evacuate easily when there is a tsunami scare. Tsunamis are usually caused by an earthquake under the sea and it can cause great destruction once it reaches land.

Tsunami Shelters: Preparing For A Tsunami

Tsunami shelters could be big enough to support a whole community or small enough just to support a family of four. It must be accessible and durable. Ideally, a tsunami shelter must be built on high ground with stable platforms. You must consider the materials being used to withstand the extreme pressure of the water waves. Read along to know some fundamentals in building a strong tsunami shelter.

1. Reinforced Concrete Structure

Image via AdventurerDeb

Using concrete structures instead of wood is very efficient, even though wood is more resilient to earthquakes. Look for a specific concrete that doesn’t easily crack under water pressure. You should also consider the structural connectors, those that can absorb a great deal of stress are the ideal ones to use.

2. Multi-Story Structure

Image via The Construction Specifier

For multi-story structures such as condominiums, you should consider its first floor being open or on stilts with a built-in breakaway so the major force of water can move through. The rising of the water will do less damage if it can flow underneath the structures. Choose a unit closer to emergency exits so you can easily go up or down.

3. Wall Orientation

Image via Green Building Advisor

When you live in a coastal area, you should be open to the idea of building your own tsunami shelter. You should face the building at an angle to the shoreline. The walls directly facing the ocean are more likely to suffer damage. Salt in the air makes concrete easily crack or steel frames to rust causing it to crumble.

4. Strong Steel Framing

Image via Tohoku Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Clearinghouse

Steel framing can also protect you not only from tsunamis but also from hurricanes and other natural disasters. Using steel-frames constructed deep into the core will help the structure to be sturdy and withstand the strong waves that will possibly hit the building. These are usually used for vertical tsunami shelters that can accommodate thousands of people.

5. Plant More Trees

Image via Arbor Day Foundation

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Trees might not completely stop tsunami waves but it can surely slow them down. Vegetation is important because it can absorb water and its roots can keep the soil intact, keeping landslides from happening. Planting trees can also help in global warming which is the main cause of overly destructive natural disasters.

Watch this video for an innovative tsunami shelter built by engineers in the US:

Researching on what’s the best material to use is very important in building tsunami shelters. It may come pricey, but building a structure that can withstand any natural disaster can save thousands of lives. Share your idea with your community, you can help each other and build together. Aside from being prepared and alert, learning basic survival skills and first aid techniques will also come in very handy in times of natural disasters.

Are there tsunami shelters near your area? Have you experienced being in a shelter before? Share your stories in the comments section below!

Always be prepared for natural disasters, get to know these 7 simple survival techniques that could save your life!

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Featured image via Wikimedia Commons