Fairchild, a Humboldt County resident, “has worked tirelessly for the past three years to ensure that community members know what to do when the next tsunami strikes,” said HSU Environmental Planning Professor Yvonne Everett. “She developed educational materials specific to the Big Lagoon region and worked with a team to identify evacuation routes to ensure community members and visitors are able to find their way to high ground as quickly as possible. Kathleen also organized several evacuation drills for Big Lagoon and Trinidad schools, as well as for residents of the region.”
Vicki Ozaki, co-chair of the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group, cited Fairchild’s dedication to improving the Big Lagoon region’s preparedness. “She did whatever was needed to move forward. Her commitment to the safety of the region's school children is particularly impressive."
Currently Fairchild is working to complete her project under the direction of Associate Professor Marlon Sherman.