US Marine helicopter laden with provisions soars over Lampuuk, northern Sumatra, following a tsunami that decimated the village's 7,000 inhabitants and approximately 230,000 individuals along coastal regions around the Indian Ocean.

US Marine helicopter laden with provisions soars over Lampuuk, northern Sumatra, following a tsunami that decimated the village's 7,000 inhabitants and approximately 230,000 individuals along coastal regions around the Indian Ocean.

In the event of a tsunami, it's crucial to stay informed, be prepared, and take immediate action. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Stay in a safe area until an official all-clear is given. The first wave of a tsunami may not be the last or the strongest, and the danger can last for hours or even days.
2. Coordinate with loved ones on reuniting after a disaster. Use texts, social media, or the American Red Cross's safety registry to communicate and ensure everyone's safety.
3. Be aware of the warning signs. Rapidly rising or falling coastal waters, a loud roar from the ocean, or rumblings of an earthquake could indicate a tsunami.
4. Know your area's vulnerability. Local governments often map hazard areas and evacuation routes for communities at risk. Familiarize yourself with these to stay safe.
5. Follow common-sense guidelines during and after a tsunami. If an earthquake occurs in a tsunami area, drop to the floor, cover your head and neck, and hold on to something stable. If in a low-lying area, move inland as soon as possible. After a tsunami, stay clear of damaged or flooded areas and downed power lines.
6. Prepare an emergency kit or "go bag". This should include essentials like food, water, and a cell phone with chargers.
7. Follow food and water safety guidelines. After a tsunami, use bottled, boiled, or treated water and throw away perishable foods left unrefrigerated for more than four hours.
8. Stay informed and subscribe to alerts. Familiarize yourself with your government's warning system and subscribe to alerts. The U.S. National Weather Service and NOAA Weather Radio are good resources for tsunami warnings.
9. Have an evacuation plan and rehearse it. Roads may not always be feasible, so it's advisable to have a plan and practice it.
10. Listen to authorities and natural signs for tsunami warnings, but do not wait for official orders. If you're a visitor staying in a tall concrete hotel, going above the fourth floor may be safer than evacuating.
11. Seek resources from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program. These organisations provide nationwide maps with links to resources for vulnerable communities.
12. Remember the destructive power of tsunamis. Examples include the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Tohoku tsunami, which approached shores at 30 miles per hour and rose over 100 feet high.

By staying informed, prepared, and vigilant, you can increase your chances of staying safe during a tsunami.

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