Maui Official Addresses Criticism over Siren Non-Activation During Wildfires
The devastating wildfires that recently swept through Maui have not only left a trail of destruction but have also ignited a debate over emergency response protocols.
As the island community grapples with the aftermath and mourns the loss of lives, a contentious decision regarding the activation of emergency sirens during the crisis has come under intense scrutiny.
Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Herman Andaya defended the county’s decision not to activate sirens during the deadly wildfires.
In a press briefing, Andaya explained that the established protocol reserves the use of coastal sirens for tsunami warnings, not wildfires.
He expressed concerns that sounding the sirens could have led evacuees directly into the path of the flames, further endangering lives.
Andaya further emphasized that the blaring sirens might not have been audible over the roaring winds and indoor air conditioning units.
Moreover, he highlighted the absence of sirens on the mountainside, where the fires were also spreading, which would have made it challenging to alert people effectively.
When queried about any regrets over the decision, Andaya firmly stated, “I do not.”
He underscored that the practice of using sirens for brush fires has not been standard procedure in Hawaii counties.
Instead, the county relies on the Wireless Emergency Alert System (WPA) for text messages and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for broadcasting messages on television and radio.
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Hawaii Governor Josh Green echoed Andaya’s sentiments, explaining that activating the sirens could have led to confusion, with residents mistakenly anticipating a tsunami.
Green acknowledged the challenges posed by the situation, especially with some survivors reporting loss of cell service and power during the wildfires, hindering their access to alerts.
As of the latest update, the wildfires have claimed the lives of 111 individuals in Maui County, with a significant portion of the impact zone yet to be searched.
The tragedy has prompted a reevaluation of emergency response strategies and a commitment to enhancing safety measures in the future.
Green emphasized a determination to remove barriers to safety, including burying powerlines underground and improving satellite capacity across the state.
These steps, he believes, will be crucial in mitigating the impact of similar crises in the future and ensuring that the island’s residents are better prepared and informed.
In the wake of this tragic event, the Maui community, along with state officials, is working tirelessly to find ways to honor the lives lost and prevent such catastrophic events from recurring.
The debate surrounding the use of sirens serves as a reminder of the complex decisions and considerations that emergency response teams must navigate, striving to strike a delicate balance between public safety and potential risks.
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Source: ABC News
