World tsunami awareness day

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2015, this international day is known as "World Tsunami Awareness Day."

The United Nations chose the date from the Japanese tale of "The Fire of Rice Sheaves". That tells the story of Hamaguchi Goryō, a villager who burned his rice crops to warn his village of a tsunami, and direct them to safety, following the 1854 Nankai earthquake. 

It's always savvy to be aware of evacuation routes when near the coast. Particularly if you live near the ocean or see. Keep an eye out for signs, like the one pictured below, that indicate a route to higher ground.