A modest proposal

The recent tsunami in the Indian Ocean is obviously a tragedy. The amount of death is staggering, and sadly the numbers increase every day. When I think of it, I feel great sadness for all those who have been traumatized. But at the same time, I also have to wonder, and worry, about what would happen to us should disaster strike.

Of course, I have great faith in the many dedicated professionals at the Emergency Management Office, the Department of Public Safety and the many other departments and agencies who prepare for just such an unimaginable emergency. I trust that averting tragedy by ensuring our safety is their primary concern, and realize that they have thought about this much more than I have. So I offer the following suggestion respectfully.

It occurred to me that many people, including tourists, may not know where they should evacuate to should a tsunami strike. “Higher ground,” of course. But where is it safe to go without impeding rescue services? How many people can fit in each place? Should the people near Hopwood go to the same place as those in Lower Base? How to ensure order and minimize panic? What, if anything, should they bring with them?

Wouldn’t it be nice if each home and business establishment had a map with directions, like the posted fire escape routes found in hotels? How could we implement this? Should we?

While watching the news, it was reported that Hawaii has found what I believe to be a clever way to ensure that everyone in the state has access to this critical information. It seems that maps are printed in each telephone directory (phone book). I would imagine that every business and government office and almost every home in the Commonwealth has a phone book.

It appears to me that the Emergency Management Office could easily (if it hasn’t already) come up with maps and directions for each low-lying area in the Commonwealth, and this information could easily be published in the phone book. So if, God forbid, this ever happens to us, panic could be reduced and lives could be saved, merely by looking in the phone book. I have a feeling that, once word spreads that a tsunami is coming, many will be phoning relatives anyway, so the telephone and directory will be close at hand.

Of course, whether this plan should be implemented should be left to the professionals and experts who prepare for this type of emergency. I only offer this suggestion as my attempt to help.

Sen. Pete P. Reyes
Capitol Hill