Commission reviews tsunami response and urges clearer evacuation protocols for harbor users

Commissioners used a recent tsunami watch to review emergency protocols for the harbor and to discuss how warnings are communicated to boat owners, visiting captains and the public. One commissioner urged a formal after‑action review to identify what went right and what should change in future events.

During discussion a commissioner described the need to clarify pedestrian evacuation routes and signage to higher ground near the community hall and noted that some harbors have pedestrian signs on footpaths to guide people away from low ground. Commissioners and staff said Harbormaster Brady, Cathy from city staff and other designated persons participate in the harbor emergency calls and that Brady acted as the on‑scene lead during the recent event.

Participants debated the practicality of evacuating by boat versus moving people ashore. Several commissioners said the primary recommendation in short‑warning events is for boat owners to get themselves out to sea if safe to do so, but that for many scenarios the quickest safe action for the public is to go uphill. "We have protocols... it usually involves me, Brady, and Cathy," one staff member said of the emergency contact sequence.

The commission asked staff to prepare a concise written chain of command and emergency instructions that can be published for harbor users, to confirm who receives official warnings and how staff will alert slip holders and visiting boaters, and to discuss options with charter operators about whether boats could be used to move people in a time‑sensitive evacuation. No formal changes were adopted; staff will report back with an after‑action summary and proposed signage or public instructions.