The use of this system will significantly improve the safety of personnel who live or work in low-lying coastal areas on Marine Corps camps and stations and improve their ability to safely and expeditiously evacuate those in harm’s way. First responders and camp and situation personnel will be better prepared to respond to a potential tsunami, according to Mike Lacey, MCIPAC’s emergency manager.

Japan has the most recorded tsunamis in the world, averaging one every seven years. They can be triggered by volcanoes, underwater landslides or earthquakes and can travel faster than 500 mph in deep water, necessitating a fast and comprehensive warning system, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Although damage to buildings and facilities is unavoidable, this system is intended to save lives by quickly alerting people to a potentially destructive incoming wave.

The alarm itself consists of a siren and verbal announcement in English and Japanese. It is triggered by a single button activating an alarm across Marine Corps camps and stations and White Beach Naval Facility.

The activation of this system will indicate a mandatory evacuation of all Marine Corps facilities within the tsunami inundation zone of 0-30 feet above sea level, making it imperative that personnel living or working in low-lying areas immediately evacuate to higher ground, according to III MEF/MCBJ Order 3000.2, tsunami standard operating procedures. 

The triggering of this system should not be taken lightly; when personnel hear it they will have to immediately evacuate, according to Lacey. 

“We want to remind personnel that, in the event of a disaster, the burden is still on the individual to have a disaster kit ready and an evacuation plan in place,” said Lacey. “It is important to remember that disaster may strike at any time and families should have plans for on and off-duty hours, including a family communications plan and rally point.”

MCIPAC intends to test the system during Constant Vigilance 2012, the annual MCIPAC “All-hazards” exercise, scheduled this year for Sept. 10-14. The exercise is designed to validate and refine incident response plans and procedures and train MCIPAC personnel on actions required in the event of a natural disaster. 

The Marine Corps is actively working to integrate this warning system with the other services on Okinawa, according to Lacey.  In addition, MCIPAC is working closely with surrounding communities to create evacuation plans and procedures that will better prepare those in danger areas for quick and safe evacuations. Camp services’ staff or emergency management representatives from each camp can be contacted for more information.