A Tsunmai-Ready American Samoa
The National Weather Service supplies forecasts and warnings for all 50 states and 5 US territories: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. All are served by NOAA Weather Radio, the official “Voice of the National Weather Service”.
Midland's Meteorologist, Bruce Jones shared how American Samoa is relying on NOAA Weather Radio to prepare for tsunamis.
NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALERTS
In Tornado Alley, NOAA Weather Radios like the Midland WR120 provide instantaneous alerts for twisters. If you live near Buffalo, New York, your WR120 alerts for Snow Squall Warnings; in Colorado, Wildfire Warnings.
For anyone living near the ocean, the WR120 radio receives and broadcasts Tsunami Warnings.
WHAT IS A TSUNAMI
Tsunamis are giant waves generated by underwater earthquakes.
An earthquake half a world away can generate tsunami waves that race across the ocean at speeds over 500mph – faster than a jet airplane – and can batter coastlines on another continent, devastating communities.
AMERICAN SAMOA TSUNMAI
On September 29, 2009 a strong earthquake near the notorious Tonga Trench rocked American Samoa, a group of US islands in the South Pacific.
The ground shook for 2-3 minutes and because a tsunami is possible from any earthquake, many Samoans instinctively moved to higher ground, just as they had practiced weeks earlier in an island-wide disaster drill.
Because the quake was centered 120 miles away, it took only 17 minutes for 25-foot tsunami waves to reach Samoa.
34 people died.
First tsunami wave recedes from Pago Pago harbor.
Photo courtesy: Gordon Yamasaki- NOAA
A CREDIT TO NOAA WEATHER RADIOS
In the aftermath of the tsunami, American Samoa’s Department of Homeland Security distributed thousands of Midland emergency alert radios throughout the island.
Every citizen is urged to be “disaster ready” with multiple ways to receive tsunami warnings and have plans for immediate evacuation to higher ground. That includes NOAA Weather Radios.
In front of Samoana High School, a bus stop is decorated with tsunami safety messages in English and Samoan.
A WEATHER READY NATION
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in the capital city Pago Pago supports the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador program, of which Midland Radio is a proud member.
As WRN Ambassadors, they urge everyone to take advantage of the local NOAA Weather Radio broadcast to receive instant alerts during heavy rain and hurricanes, as well as tsunami watches and warnings.
Because desktop Public Alert-certified weather radios like the Midland WR400 Deluxe NOAA Weather Radio and WR120 NOAA Weather Alert Radio, and the ER40 Emergency Crank Radio, provide a direct connection to your local NWS office, there is no faster way to receive their life-saving alerts.
THE NEED FOR NOAA WEATHER RADIOS
“Do I need an emergency alert radio?”, you ask. Yes!
Every home, school, and business in America…and its territories…should be protected 24/7/365 by America’s official federal warning system and “The Voice of the National Weather Service”: NOAA Weather Radio.
Don’t be caught unaware when disaster strikes. As this photo shows, even a tropical paradise is not immune to danger.
MIDLAND'S EMERGENCY ALERT RADIOS
WR120 NOAA WEATHER ALERT RADIO
The WR120 is the gold standard of NOAA Weather Radios.
This emergency alert radio features S.A.M.E. EZ localized programming and alerts users to over 60 kinds of weather hazards, like tsunamis.
As soon as the National Weather Service issues a warning or watch, the WR120 alerts you.
WR400 DELUXE NOAA WEATHER RADIO
The WR400 uses digital S.A.M.E. technology to lock into users' county's warning system, giving instant alerts straight from the National Weather Service.
Users can program up to 25 counties with 80 different types of alerts.
The USB output on this alarm clock radio allows users to to charge their devices directly from the radio.
ER210 E+READY® COMPACT EMERGENCY CRANK WX RADIO
Whether it's sheltering at home, evacuating due to a hurricane or wildfire, the ER210 is the perfect compact emergency crank radio.
Easily stowed away, the ER210 brings alerts straight from the National Weather Service- no matter where you are.
With several sources of power like solar, hand crank, and a rechargeable battery, the ER210 should be part of every "emergency go bag."
The ER210 also features a flashlight, SOS strobe, and smartphone/tablet charger.
ER10VP E+READY® COMPACT EMERGENCY ALERT AM/FM WEATHER RADIO
Preparedness in your pocket.
The ER10VP is compact in size so it's easy to pack and keep with you during any emergency.
With immediate alerts straight from the National Weather Service, the ER10VP is a necessity for any storm, emergency, or trip to the outdoors.
This emergency radio also features a flashlight with Hi, Lo, and SOS strobe.
Keep informed wherever you go with the ER40.
Midland's ER40 brings the latest alerts and information straight from the National Weather Service in your area, letting you know when you need to seek shelter, evacuate, etc.
With several sources of power including a solar panel, rechargeable lithium ion battery, and hand crank.
Featuring a flashlight, the ER40 helps users navigate power outages and dimly lit areas.
