A good rule of thumb—move to higher ground that:

• you have already identified
• is at least 100 feet above sea level or two miles inland
• can be reached within 15 minutes

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam leads the way to take action before a Tsunami                      

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) enacted how taking three essential steps to prepare before a Tsunami can increase your family’s chances for safety.

Step 1-Be Informed

130401-N-GB197-001 Emergency Management Officer JBPHH pointed out the Tsunami Inundation Zones on JBPHH on the 67th anniversary of 67th anniversary of the April 1, 1946 Aleutian tsunami.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 produced a large Pacific-wide tectonic tsunami that reached Hawaii five hours later. Wave heights across the islands reached as high as 55 feet, 36 feet, and 33 feet on Hawaii, Oahu, and Maui, respectively. The tsunami inundated some areas up to a half a mile inland and claimed the lives of 159 people.

Be and stay informed about the risks in your area. Become familiar with advanced warning procedures and tsunami terminology. Stay informed through radio, TV, and social media.

Step 2-Make a Plan

130401-N-GB197-006 Chief Staff Officer for JBPHH, and Mrs. Hickam AFB led the one mile  “walk to safety” from Aloha Aina Park down Signer Street to the softball fields near the Hickam Fitness Center in under 30 minutes on April 1st demonstrating:

You don’t have to drive to be safe!
Simply walking a mile or two inland can save you.

Make a family plan that includes an out of town contact everyone can check in with, a plan for communicating with family members if separated, and a tsunami safe meeting or evacuation location.

Map it out. Practice getting there.

Step 3-Build a Kit

130401-N-GB197-006 An Emergency Preparedness Volunteer for the American Red Cross, presented what people should have in their emergency kit.

“It’s thinking about the basics you’d need to take with you to get out of the disaster zone for a short period of time,” said Capt Holderman.

Build a kit prepared with at least a three-day supply of food, water, and essential items. Also, if you have pets or family members with special needs, include them in your family plan. Be aware that some shelters will not take in pets for the safety and well being of others.

Government and Military Leaders Plan for Tsunami Awareness
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