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Hawaii recognized as first state to be tsunami and storm ready

The National Weather Service has declared Hawaii the first state in the nation to be tsunami- and storm-ready.

Only 23 communities in the nation are tsunami-ready, according to.David L. Johnson, director of the service.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, said the state has taken several steps to be better prepared for the next tsunami, including having emergency operations center in every county, a statewide siren system, evacuation maps in phone books, regular drills and public education programs.

To achieve the tsunami- and storm-ready status, the National Weather Service says a community must:

• Establish a 24-hour emergency operations center;

• Have more than one way to receive severe warning warnings and forecasts;

• Create a system that monitors local weather conditions;

• Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars; and

• Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.