How to Protect Your Home and Furniture from a Tsunami

Tsunamis are among the most destructive natural disasters, capable of flooding homes, destroying furniture, and washing away entire communities. While nothing can make a home completely tsunami-proof, there are important steps you can take to minimize damage and protect your belongings if you live in a tsunami-prone area.

1. Know Your Risk and Plan Ahead

Before anything else, know whether your home is in a tsunami hazard zone. Check local emergency maps or contact your city or coastal management office. If you are in a risk area:

• Create a tsunami evacuation plan for your family.

• Keep a go-bag with essentials like documents, cash, medications, and first aid.

• Take photos of your home and valuables for insurance documentation.

2. Elevate and Anchor Furniture

Since tsunamis bring powerful floodwaters, elevating and securing furniture can reduce loss:

• Elevate heavy furniture such as couches, beds, and cabinets on raised platforms or concrete blocks.

• Use furniture anchors or brackets to attach bookshelves and appliances to walls.

• Store electronics and important items on higher shelves or in upper floors if available.

3. Choose Water-Resistant Materials

In tsunami zones, choose furniture that’s more resilient to water:

• Use furniture made of metal, resin, or treated wood—these resist water damage better than untreated wood or upholstered pieces.

• Avoid placing valuable rugs or upholstered furniture on the ground floor.

• Protect wood furniture with waterproof coatings or sealants.

4. Secure Utilities and Prevent Fires

Floods caused by tsunamis can break gas lines and short-circuit wiring:

• Install backflow valves to prevent sewage from backing up into your home.

• Turn off gas, electricity, and water before evacuating if possible.

• Raise electrical outlets and fuse boxes above potential flood levels.

5. Use Waterproof Storage

Store valuable documents, photos, and small electronics in:

• Waterproof, airtight containers

• High-mounted cabinets or shelves

• Fire- and water-resistant safes

6. Protect the Home Structure

While retrofitting a house for a tsunami is expensive, some improvements help:

• Build or renovate using flood-resistant materials for walls and floors.

• Add vents or openings in the foundation to let water flow through and reduce pressure.

• Consider elevating the entire structure, especially in low-lying coastal areas.

7. After the Tsunami: Salvage and Clean Quickly

If your home is affected:

• Do not return until authorities declare it safe.

• Take photos of damage for insurance claims.

• Remove wet furniture and carpets quickly to prevent mold.

• Disinfect surfaces with bleach-based cleaners.

Final Tip: Insurance Matters

Make sure your home insurance includes tsunami or flood coverage. Regular homeowner's insurance typically does not cover damage from tsunamis or flooding.