Get ready, get set... for the next one

The tsunami outcome was optimal: enough unnatural wave action to show there had been an event, but not enough to disrupt our lives for more than a day. Still, we all get to the point, after one of these escapes, where we think ahead to the next one, and particularly to the next one we don't escape. Here's a fresh look at your next-time checklist:

1. Gassing up the car. For many people this ought not to be a big deal. Think about it. If you have less time to evacuate than the hours we were given this time, the fact is that even a quarter tank is enough to get most of us where we need to go and back.
2. Water. This is a bigger deal than some people think. Even our demonstration tsunami left Maui with sewer problems, and power outages have created water problems on Oahu in the past. You need good containers and a place to put them. You might even get containers that filter water and use them all the time.
3. Food and supplies: You have a linen closet with floor space. Fill it with toilet paper rolls and act as if you have "run out" whenever there is space down there. Invent a similar space in the kitchen for canned goods. Goal: to have no urgent supply needs at the time of the next power outage or evacuation order.
4. Back-up power. I've got two back-up power supplies, about the size and weight of car batteries because they're based on the same idea. One can power lights and a radio for days. You can use one to power your entire computer system and it will last all night and then some. They have built-in spotlights and they are portable, with big strong handles.
5. Cell phones. It doesn't take a tsunami for a dead cell phone to be a problem. Everyone needs to learn to have short, businesslike calls at times like that, and everyone needs to have the charger right next to the bed.
6. Information. The state could still use a better statewide information network. It could be based on Hawaii Public Radio, which already has a network and can allow commercial stations to pick up information without harm to itself, or on one of the TV stations with statewide distribution, if radio stations can be wired in. The key: reroute the line from studio to tower through civil defense inside Diamond Head.
7. Adopt a victim. In your family or circle of friends there is someone who is not well-equipped to handle an emergency. Suppose that person is your responsibility? What is your plan to take them with you, or to share your resources with them? Work it out now, when it's not urgent, so you know without thinking what to do when it is.

Comments

[Rosa Say]

This is excellent Howard. Blog posts are multiplying like rabbits this morning about the wonder of social media —and I was one having my own awestruck moments about it as well, for newer technologies help us in tremendous ways, no doubt about it. However I think a post like this serves up a very important lesson we should not miss. We need to have a new normalcy in our routines so we are better citizens, and so we can help others who need us, rather than adding to the last-minute scrambling which divert our energies from other kinds of preparation, e kuleana na ‘Ohana K?kou.

This morning I am finding I am thinking about so many of our unsung heroes too. No news worthy photo, no Twitter fame, just tremendous work done in their civil duty seized, either in preparing us for the worse, or returning us to normalcy when the cameras were turned off of history in the making, and the hard work of curbing our impatience for our creature comforts began. Ho‘ohana heroes, and we were blessed to have them.

[Anne]

I totally agree with what Rosa said. Excellent post. I live in California (Central Valley) which has been pretty untouched by even earthquakes, but your suggestions are very important and they would be wise for EVERYone, island or valley bound, to be prepared...Thanks for your suggestions!

[Yani]

UNSUNG HEROES.

There were countless individuals working behind the scenes Friday, into it's night and through Saturday. The group I would like to recognize are those in our television stations who obviously worked non-stop to keep us all updated. My reference however is not just to those in front of the cameras, but the many, many individuals behind the scenes who made it possible for all of us here in Hawaii and beyond to stay connected and informed. Please, let us not forget to recognize them; for without their tireless efforts as well as sacrifice, those in front of the cameras could not do their jobs so well.

Here, here!

[Chris]

Q: Did the governor ever come out with a statement about the tsunami warning? We were busy evacuating from the coast in Po'ipu when the radio said they were going to go to a live statement from the governor, but there were technical difficulties preventing her from making one...

[Gov. Lingle did make a couple of statements. The one I think you're referring to was delayed several minutes but eventually came off. HMD]