Preparation is
the best defense

After all, many residents of this state have been buffeted by those powerful, earthquake-generated waves at least six times in the past 60 years. And last December's devastating tsunami in South Asia was another grim reminder of a tsunami's destructive force.

But because the last tsunami of any consequence in our state occurred in the Puna District of the Big Island some 30 years ago, many people tend to forget that when warned, there are actions we all must take to avoid loss of life and property.

It's for this reason that April -- the month in 1946 our state suffered its greatest loss of life due to a tsunami -- is annually designated as Tsunami Awareness Month.

It's a time when government agencies hold drills to perfect their response to such a threat and perhaps more importantly, it should be a time when residents give some serious thought as to how they will respond to those devastating waves.

For anyone who lives, works or plays in areas designated as evacuation zones, as listed in the phone book, creating a personal plan of action far in advance of any tsunami warning could be a matter of survival.

And for those who have boats moored in our marinas, the planning becomes even more complex. Not only is personal survival involved, but also questions about vessel survival loom up like the tsunami itself.

Fortunately, the state, in conjunction with the University of Hawaii's Sea Grant Program, developed a hurricane and tsunami safety manual for boaters a few years ago that provides valuable assistance in making proper plans for survival.

Among its many suggestions, the manual advises boat owners to hitch a ride to the marina with someone else so they aren't leaving a $30,000 dollar car in the inundation zone while they head to sea to save their $6,000 vessel.

There will be, of course, numerous boat owners who plan to take their boats to the safety of the open ocean.

"Move it offshore to waters over 200 fathoms (1,200 feet) deep as soon as the tsunami warning is declared," the manual warns.

But then, it notes, in some instances it may be most prudent to let one's boat fend for itself.

"If a tsunami warning occurs during a period of high surf ... you should give serious consideration to just removing whatever you can, securing your boat, and leaving the evacuation zone," the manual explains.

The manual also recommends having enough fuel, food and water for at least 24 hours at sea, and it points out that it may be impossible for a boat to return to its marina due to tsunami damage there.

"After the all-clear signal is given, you may need to go to another facility, or anchor offshore," it explains.

The manual is available at any state harbor master office and best of all it's free.