MEDIA RELEASE

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Sens. Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye encouraging Americans to observe Tsunami Awareness Month this month and to be prepared by identifying evacuation routes.

Akaka said: “The recent events in Japan serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared. National Weather Service tsunami programs support warning, mitigation, and research activities that are critical to our nation’s safety and security. The House-passed continuing resolution would decrease millions of dollars of funding for NOAA. Making drastic cuts to NOAA’s budget would severely impair our nation’s ability to warn citizens of potential disasters. Maintaining this funding is critical.”

Inouye said: “The recent tragedy in Japan illustrates the need for all coastal communities to remain vigilant to the threats posed by the sea. It is an essential function of government to protect our communities as best we can. I encourage the people of Hawaii and everyone living near the ocean to familiarize themselves with tsunami evacuation routes and procedures. I will do all I can to fund and support NOAA’s efforts to research, warn, and protect our citizens because we have to keep our communities aware of the dangers and provide them with the means to keep their families safe.”

Additional information about tsunami preparedness is available at www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov