As 2010 began, new maps released by the California Geological Survey and the California Emergency Management Agency show the risk Marin's coastal communities could face if a tsunami slams into the county as it did in March 1964.

Then, just days later, a tsunami hit the Pacific Solomon Islands for the second time in three years, devastating villages and leaving about 1,000 homeless. Amazingly, there were no reports of deaths.

For the Firmage family of Mill Valley, it's a memory they know all too well — they were vacationing in Thailand five years ago when a tsunami hit.

This week's tsunami occurred while the family was back in Thailand, a frequent pilgrimage they make to remember those lost and to check the progress of rebuilding efforts.

Since the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami, the family has made a commitment to help however they can, they told here reporter Carla Bova in this week's Covered. And, while they've helped others, they've helped themselves, too, by refocusing their priorities.

It's a lesson all of us should learn.

Thoughts? E-mail me at editor.here@gmail.com.

— Vicki Larson, here editor