TSUNAMI SAFETY RULES

1. Stand by for the tsunami emergency when you hear that a large earthquake has occurred anywhere in the Pacific

2. Head for Higher Ground if you feel a strong earthquake and you are near the shore. An earthquake in your area is a natural tsunami warning.

3. Stay out of danger areas until "all clear" is issued by the authorities, because a tsunami is not a single wave, but a series of waves.

4. Nature's tsunami warning - any sudden rise or fall of coastal water signals an approaching tsunami.

5. Pay respect to all tsunamis. A small tsunami at one point on the shore can be extremely large a few kilometres away.

6. Be prepared for the worst. A tsunami warning will only be issued when a tsunami exists. This means that a tsunami has been observed somewhere else and there is no way of knowing what the effect will be on the coastlines of Fiji.

7. All tsunamis are potentially dangerous even though they may not damage every coastline they strike.

8. Keep your distance. Never go down to the shore to watch for a tsunami. When you can see the wave you are too close to escape it.

9. Warnings apply to you if you live in a coastal area, because sooner or later, a tsunami will visit the coastline close to you.

10. Please co-operate. During a tsunami emergency the emergency organisations such as the Police, the Red Cross and other organisations will try to save your life.

Remember - always "BE PREPARED"