PROCLAMATION

California is fortunate to have such a magnificent coastline, but this
benefit is not without its risks.  With nearby offshore earthquake faults, we are vulnerable to potentially disastrous tsunamis, which is why it is important that our state is prepared and well-equipped for an emergency.

In March 1964, an earthquake off the Alaska coast caused a tsunami that hit Northern California, killing more than a dozen Del Norte residents.  To mark the anniversary of this tragedy, my Office of Emergency Services will activate the Emergency Alert System this month in Humboldt County to test the efficiency of our warning system.  A tsunami can strike with little notice so it is critical that California has a quick and reliable way to warn our citizens of potential danger.

Each of us can also take several steps to make sure our communities are as prepared as possible for a tsunami.  We can assemble an emergency kit that includes items such as flashlights, first aid supplies and non-perishable foods.  Families should determine an evacuation plan and meeting place, and we should all have local emergency phone numbers easily accessible.

I applaud our state’s first responders for working diligently to plan for a potential tsunami.   Hopefully, such a catastrophe will never again affect California, but in the meantime, we will do everything we can to be ready.

NOW,  THEREFORE,  I,  ARNOLD  SCHWARZENEGGER,  Governor  of  the  State  of California,  do  hereby  proclaim  March 23-29, 2008, as “Tsunami Awareness Week.”

IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 10th day of March 2008.

                              ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
                              Governor of California

                              ATTEST:
                              DEBRA BOWEN
                              Secretary of State