# AI tells users to 'evacuate to high ground' during a tsunami, but vertical evacuation in reinforced concrete buildings is a validated alternative when high ground is unreachable

- **ID:** `emergency/tsunami-vertical-evacuation-misunderstanding`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `TSUNAMI-VERTICAL-EVAC-ERR-006`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 87%

## Root Cause

Traditional tsunami guidance emphasizes horizontal evacuation to high ground, but in flat coastal areas or congested cities, vertical evacuation into the upper floors (3rd floor or above) of tsunami-resistant buildings is a recognized strategy, especially in Japan and the US Pacific Northwest.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NOAA TsunamiReady Program 2024 | active | — | — |
| Japan Meteorological Agency Tsunami Evacuation 2023 | active | — | — |
| FEMA P-1001 Tsunami Vertical Evacuation 2022 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **If you cannot reach high ground within 15 minutes, identify the nearest reinforced concrete building (at least 3 stories) and go to the 3rd floor or higher. Stay away from windows and brace for impact. In Japan, look for tsunami evacuation building signs (blue and white).** (88% success)
   ```
   If you cannot reach high ground within 15 minutes, identify the nearest reinforced concrete building (at least 3 stories) and go to the 3rd floor or higher. Stay away from windows and brace for impact. In Japan, look for tsunami evacuation building signs (blue and white).
   ```
2. **Pre-plan your evacuation: use your local tsunami hazard map to identify both horizontal evacuation routes to high ground and designated vertical evacuation structures. Practice both scenarios.** (85% success)
   ```
   Pre-plan your evacuation: use your local tsunami hazard map to identify both horizontal evacuation routes to high ground and designated vertical evacuation structures. Practice both scenarios.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Running to high ground that is too far away (e.g., >5 km) when a nearby reinforced concrete building is available; the user may be caught by the wave en route. (80% fail)
- **** — Entering a wooden or unreinforced masonry building for vertical evacuation; these structures cannot withstand tsunami forces and may collapse or be swept away. (90% fail)
- **** — Going to the roof of a building that is not designed for tsunami evacuation; the roof may be too low (below inundation depth) or lack structural integrity. (75% fail)