The Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN) evacuation maps and Map Tool are tsunami resources that support the development of a family or individual tsunami response plan. This module focuses on learning how to read these maps, particularly identifying key symbols and information.
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Tsunami evacuation maps contain a significant amount of information. However, in the context of a tsunami evacuation plan, there are a few key symbols necessary for developing this plan.
Although the PRSN’s evacuation maps were originally intended for emergency personnel, they serve as a useful resource for any community member. Remember, there is an evacuation map for each of the coastal municipalities in Puerto Rico, two inland municipalities (Bayamón and Canóvanas), and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas). Note: The exact symbols included on the maps vary between municipalities.
Each PRSN evacuation map contains a legend of the symbols on that map (displaying the key symbols and their meaning) as well as important information about locations and assembly points. When reading the maps, the legends serve as a guide for you; as mentioned previously, the symbols included vary depending on which are relevant to a particular municipality.
Only the evacuation maps for the municipalities of Puerto Rico contain the contact information for both the designated Municipal Emergency Management Office and the Puerto Rico State Agency for Emergency and Disaster Management.
Move your mouse over the map (for mobile devices, touch the map) to further explore the evacuation map symbols. If you identify the following symbols correctly, a small window/tooltip with the symbol’s name will pop up on the map.
Can you find…?
Now that you have learned about the key symbols on the PRSN evacuation maps, it is now time to do the same with the PRSN Map Tool. The Map Tool contains variations of the same key symbols on the evacuation maps as well as other symbols that are only available on the Map Tool. These differences are partly because the two map types were developed at different times.
In the next module, you will learn how to use the interactive features of this tool.
The interactive Map Tool autogenerates a legend for each part of the map. This means that the legend varies depending on which part of the map you are reviewing. Remember that when reading the maps, the legends serve as a guide.
Move your mouse over the map (for mobile devices, touch the map) to further explore the Map Tool symbols. If you identify the following symbols correctly, a small window/tooltip with the symbol’s name will pop up on the map.
Can you find…?
Test your knowledge about this topic by answering the following questions. You can review the correct responses by hovering your mouse over the boards with the word “Answer.”
See the notification box below to apply what you learned. Afterward, you can choose to continue with the next module or take a break and come back at another time.
