The Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN) Evacuation Maps and Map Tool include a series of features and options that may seem daunting. This module focuses on using these tsunami maps, including the differences between the maps, when to use each, and how to use the interactive Map Tool features.
After completing this module, you will be able to:
The PRSN map resources were originally developed for emergency management personnel, but anyone in the community can find useful information on these maps. First, it is important to know when to use each type of map.
PRSN has a repository of local evacuation maps for coastal municipalities and two inland municipalities in Puerto Rico as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. Although the Map Tool also contains Key Symbols, the municipal evacuation maps contain the most important information to have easy access to in an emergency. This includes the assembly points and locations, the general direction of evacuation routes, and contact information for emergency management services. At the least, you should print your municipality’s evacuation map for your emergency backpack.
The Map Tool shows a full satellite image of Puerto Rico and has several interactive features discussed below. Importantly, you can zoom in on the Map Tool to see your local area in more detail than in the municipal evacuation maps. Using the interactive features, you can customize the image to fit your unique needs and situation: you can use the Map Tool to create your own personal evacuation map and print it for your emergency backpack.
The images below are examples of these maps. Both images are maps of the municipality of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico; however, the image on the left is from the PRSN’s evacuation maps repository, and the image on the right is from the Map Tool. Click on the images to expand them, and take a few minutes to compare the different maps.
The PRSN website includes a repository for all of the municipal evacuation maps. To find your map more easily, they are divided into the following categories: North, South, East, West, and Virgin Islands.
Once you find your municipality’s evacuation map and click on it, you will be able to choose whether you want to view it online or download it for printing or saving as a digital file.
See the images below for reference.
The Map Tool is an online interactive map, which includes features that make the map more user friendly. PRSN has also developed a user manual for the Map Tool, GIS Web Application Manual, and it is available on the Tsunami Program home page.
One of the key features of the interactive Map Tool is the distance measurer. This feature allows you to measure the area of a drawn shape and the distance along straight lines, with several different units available. Importantly, finding the distance between two points on the map will allow you to calculate how long it would take to walk that distance; you need to know this to be prepared for a tsunami. For example, you can use this feature to estimate how long it would take you to leave an evacuation zone from your home and reach an Assembly Point. If there are no Assembly Points close by, it is recommended to move to the nearest high ground.
Watch the video below for an example of how to use the distance measurer to:
The steps performed in the video for calculating the time to walk a distance are listed below. “These steps and this equation use miles.”
The steps above written as an equation is:
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.” Some questions require reviewing images.
It allows you to use various interactive features, such as zooming in on a particular location (for example, your neighborhood).
During a tsunami event, you will need to walk this route. Knowing this information ensures you will be better prepared to respond to a tsunami.
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.
