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Survivor Stories

Tsunami Soundings

"The tidal waves really changed my life. Being so close to being lost,it made everything special. And it reinforced my idea that there's no real plan to anything. You know, "Why me?" It's just the way it is. "

Marsue McGinnis McShane, KGMB special with Kim Gennaula, February 26, 1999

A man is watching a television documentary on earthquakes and tsunamis. Living by the beach, he feels confident that if the emergency sirens ever go off, he'll know exactly what to do. He's seen enough of these disaster shows. In fact, he's quite an expert now.

Suddenly the shelves above the television begin to shudder violently. He hears glassware and pots crashing and splintering in the kitchen. He jumps up from his chair but now the floor is heaving and he loses his balance. Windows are shattering and pictures are falling off walls. He crawls from the room into the nearest doorway.

If this happened to you, what would you do? Do you have an emergency plan? When you're home alone, guess who's in charge?

In 1994, with cooperation between Civil Defense, Police departments and other official agencies statewide, the tsunami alert and evecuation went smoothly. Public schools, State and County offices were closed throughout the State. However, curiosity seekers still headed for the beach and surfers offshore waited to ride the Big One.

It was a beautiful day and there was almost a carnival air about the whole thing. Didn't they know that tsunamis have nothing to do with the weather? Didn't they know the force of a tsunami could propel them like a fly against a windshield?

The Pacific Tsunami Museum strives to educate and prepare the public for the next tsunami. It may show up next week or the next millennium, but come it the final analysis, you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your loved ones. Pay attention. . .please.