“Evacuate and Educate: The July Tsunami”
Free Town Hall on August 16th hosted by the Pacific Tsunami Museum

The Tsunami Warning on Tuesday July 29th sparked confusion, excitement, fear, and more than a few unanswered questions among Hawai'i residents. What is the difference between a Tsunami Warning, Advisory, and Watch anyway? Is it more dangerous if the tsunamigenic earthquake was deep or shallow? What are the ways we can prepare for the next time the sirens sound?

Staff and docents at the Pacific Tsunami Museum know just how curious people become whenever a tsunami is a real possibility. “Our website crashed a little after 5pm on Tuesday, it got so many hits,” relates PTM Executive Director Cindi Preller. “At that time, we re-directed the website to tsunami.gov for immediate updates. Now, it’s our job to respond directly to the interest and questions from the experience and work even harder on our educational efforts.”

Preller noted that she is working with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) staff on materials that the Department of Education can use when school starts, while the memory of the recent Tsunami Warning is fresh in parent’s, teachers’ and student’s minds.

For the general public, PTM is hosting a free Town Hall “Evacuate and Educate: The July Tsunami”, a brown bag lunch at noon, this Saturday, August 16th at the Museum. All are welcome to attend and hear firsthand how scientists observed and analyzed incoming data after the earthquake occurred and its energy began traveling through the ocean. “This is a timely topic for PTM’s weekly Saturday lecture series.” says Preller. “We welcome all questions right away!” She notes that they expect questions on anything from tsunami science to evacuation routes to preparedness. “We’ll assemble as much expertise as possible, including by Webcast, and are committed to getting answers for questions people have.” The attached flyer includes a QR code where anyone can submit questions or comments beforehand.

Current hours at the Pacific Tsunami Museum are 10-2 on Saturday and Sunday. Kama‘aina admission is just $5, and kama‘aina ages 17 and under are free. First Saturday of every month is always free for our kama’aina. To learn more about the Pacific Tsunami Museum and its revitalization efforts, please email [museum@tsunami.org], visit PTM online at tsunami.org, call 808.935.0926, or visit PTM at 130 Kamehameha Ave. The museum is open Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.