# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Safety

How to Survive a Tsunami Like Petra Nemcova

In 2004, Petra Nemcova and her fiancé, photographer Simon Atlee found themselves at the center of the deadliest tsunami in history while staying at the Khao Lak resort in Thailand. Petra Nemcova has since recovered from her physical injuries, but the true test of her survival has been in the way she's carried on after the traumatic event and tragic loss of her fiancee.

Instructions

- 1
  Give back. After the tsunami, Petra Nemcova founded the charitable organization, Happy Hearts Fund, which provides disaster relief to children. A portion of the proceeds from Petra's photo shoots go toward the Happy Hearts Fund.
- 2
  Tell your story. In 2005, Petra penned her autobiography, "Love Always, Petra," which chronicled her life growing up in Czechoslovakia; her career as a model; and her relationship with her late fiancee, Simon Atlee. All proceeds from the sales of Petra's book go towards the Happy Hearts Fund.
- 3
  Keep working. Petra has continued to work steadily as a model since the tsunami. In 2005, "Glamour" Magazine honored Petra with a "Survivor Award" for her ability to carry on with life in the face of tragedy.
- 4
  Use your survival to make positive changes in your life. In an interview with "Self" magazine, Petra revealed that she struggled with an addiction to laxatives before the tsunami. Since then, she has overcome her addiction, and says, "I treat my body with the respect it deserves. There's so much suffering in the world, I don't want to inflict more on myself for no reason."