# AI tells coastal residents to 'evacuate to high ground' during a tsunami, but vertical evacuation in reinforced concrete buildings is a viable alternative in low-lying areas

- **ID:** `emergency/vertical-evacuation-tsunami`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `TSUNAMI-EVAC-ERR-004`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

The AI fails to account for scenarios where horizontal evacuation to high ground is impossible (e.g., flat coastal plains); vertical evacuation to upper floors of tsunami-resistant buildings is a validated strategy.

## Workarounds

1. **If near a designated tsunami vertical evacuation building (e.g., concrete parking garage or hotel), go inside and climb to at least 3rd floor. Check local tsunami hazard maps for designated structures.** (90% success)
   ```
   If near a designated tsunami vertical evacuation building (e.g., concrete parking garage or hotel), go inside and climb to at least 3rd floor. Check local tsunami hazard maps for designated structures.
   ```
2. **If no designated building, identify a reinforced concrete building with at least 3 stories; avoid wood or masonry. Enter and move to upper floors away from windows.** (75% success)
   ```
   If no designated building, identify a reinforced concrete building with at least 3 stories; avoid wood or masonry. Enter and move to upper floors away from windows.
   ```
3. **Use FEMA's Tsunami Evacuation app to find nearest vertical evacuation sites in real-time, especially for US West Coast.** (85% success)
   ```
   Use FEMA's Tsunami Evacuation app to find nearest vertical evacuation sites in real-time, especially for US West Coast.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — User runs miles inland in a low-lying area, but tsunami arrives before reaching safety; vertical evacuation in a nearby building would have been faster. (85% fail)
- **** — User attempts vertical evacuation in a wooden structure, which may collapse; only reinforced concrete buildings (e.g., parking garages, hotels) are suitable. (70% fail)
- **** — User climbs to roof of a building, but tsunami waves can overtop roofs; vertical evacuation should go to at least 3rd floor or higher. (60% fail)