(CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management) — A unique workshop focused on tsunami preparedness for businesses took place at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan on Sept. 20, 2024. The event was led by Mario Kaipat, program manager of the CNMI’s National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, and Charles “Chip” Guard, the CNMI NTHMP science representative.
The workshop aimed to equip local business owners and employees with the knowledge and tools necessary to prepare for potential tsunami events. This workshop targeted the major hotels in Saipan, which have specific responsibilities and challenges. With the region’s vulnerability to tsunamis, the workshop underscored the need for comprehensive emergency planning among the hotels.
Chip Guard delivered informative presentations that covered the science behind the Pacific earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, how to recognize specific warning signs, and the hazards associated with the event of locally and distantly generated tsunamis. His insights were invaluable in helping participants understand the various tsunami risk factors specific to the CNMI region.
Mario Kaipat complemented Guard’s presentations with practical strategies tailored to local businesses. He discussed the importance of developing an emergency response plan, conducting regular drills, and creating a culture of preparedness within organizations. “Every business should have a tsunami plan and a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures that are periodically updated and practiced,” Kaipat urged attendees.
“Preparedness is not just about having a plan; more importantly, it’s about knowing how to react and ensuring that everyone in your organization understands their roles during a locally generated tsunami and likewise from a distantly generated tsunami,” Guard emphasized during the session.
The workshop was enriched by specially tailored resources provided by Dr. Laura Kong from NOAA’s International Tsunami Information Center based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Kong shared valuable materials and tools that businesses could utilize to enhance their preparedness initiatives. Her expertise offered a broader perspective on U.S. domestic and international best practices and the latest developments in tsunami science, including an example Tsunami Response Plan from a Waikiki, Oahu hotel. She and her assistant, Tammy Fukuji, provided up-to-date materials and tailored the many worksheets that businesses can use to create their tsunami response plan and made sure they arrived in Saipan in time for the workshop.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions, sharing their current states of preparedness and concerns regarding tsunami risks. This collaboration revealed the gaps in preparedness and fostered a sense of community as attendees recognized the collective responsibility to ensure the safety of their guests and workers. The hotel representatives also discussed strategies for communicating with employees and guests during tsunami emergencies, highlighting the need for clear messaging and accessible information.
The workshop received positive feedback from attendees, many expressing gratitude for the actionable insights gained. “This workshop has opened my eyes to the vulnerabilities we face and the steps we need to take to protect our staff and customers,” said one local hotel manager.
As the CNMI continues to face the realities of natural disasters, workshops like this are essential in building a culture of preparedness. By empowering businesses with knowledge and resources, the CNMI moves closer to enhancing its resilience against potential tsunami threats.
In conclusion, the tsunami preparedness workshop served as a vital platform for collaboration and education, reinforcing the idea that preparedness is a shared responsibility. With continued efforts in community engagement and initiative-taking planning, the CNMI aims to safeguard its residents, visitors, and businesses from the risks posed by tsunamis.
For more information, contact CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Public Information Officer Bernard Villagomez at (670) 287-7106 or b.villagomez@cnmihsem.gov.mp/.
