Hawaii is First "Tsunami-ready" State

OFFICIALS FROM the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service proclaimed that Hawaii is the first "TsunamiReady" state in the U.S. "We have taken steps to be better prepared for the next tsunami," said Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). "There are emergency operations centers in every county, a statewide siren system, evacuation maps in phone books and public education courses." For more information on how a state or community is recognized as TsunamiReady or StormReady (another designation), go to www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2545.htm.