What is TsunamiReady?

¨     A National Weather Service (NWS) initiative that promotes tsunami hazard preparedness as an active collaboration among Federal, state and local emergency management agencies, the public, and the NWS tsunami warning system. This collaboration supports better and more consistent tsunami awareness and mitigation efforts among communities at risk. The TsunamiReady program is based on the NWS StormReady model.

¨     The main goal is improvement of public safety during tsunami emergencies.

Who is TsunamiReady For?

¨     Coastal communities which are at risk of a tsunami.

What makes a community TsunamiReady?

¨     Establishing an Emergency Operations Center.

¨     Ability to disseminate a Tsunami Warning (sirens, local media)

¨     Tsunami Hazard Plan.

¨     Community awareness program.

¨     Multiple ways to receive NWS tsunami warnings.

1.      Emergency Management Weather Information Network (EMWIN) receiver

2.      NOAA Weather Radio (NWR)

3.      NOAA Weather Wire drop

Can a community become TsunamiReady without being StormReady?

¨     Since the new combined Storm/TsunamiReady application form was issued in 2002, communities being certified for TsunamiReady also must pass all StormReady criteria.

¨     StormReady requires access to local weather monitoring equipment (Guideline 3) and some furher administrative requirements (Guideline 6). Other than that, the requirements are the same.

Why do we need a TsunamiReady Program?

¨     Create minimum standard guidelines for a community to follow for adequate tsunami readiness.

¨     Encourage consistency in educational materials and response among communities and states.

¨     Recognize communities that have adopted TsunamiReady guidelines.

¨     Increase public awareness and understanding of the tsunami hazard.

¨     Improve community pre-planning for tsunami disasters.

Who decides if a community is TsunamiReady?

¨     Oversight of the TsunamiReady program is accomplished within the NWS by the National StormReady Board (the Board).

¨     The Board is responsible for changes in community recognition criteria. Proposed criteria changes shall be directed to the Board for action.

¨     Local boards decide if a community has attained Storm/TsunamiReady status. The local board consists of the local NWS office meteorologist-in-charge and warning coordintation meteorologist, the Tsunami Warning Center geophysicist-in-charge, a representative from the state department of emergency services, and a representative from the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.

Who do we contact to become a TsunamiReady Community?

¨     Communities in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska contact the West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, AK. Communities in Hawaii contact the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

¨     Or, contact your local National Weather Service Forecast Office.

¨     The web site is http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/tready.htm .

Does it cost anything to become a TsunamiReady Community?

¨     There may be costs involved with upgrading the reception and dissemination infrastructure of the local community to meet the criteria.

Do we get money for being TsunamiReady?

¨     The National Weather Service does not provide funding to communities. However, participating in this program would improve positioning to receive State and Federal funds. It is the community’s responsibility to obtain funding.

What are the benefits for being TsunamiReady?

¨     Community is more prepared to SAVE LIVES.

¨     Increase contacts with experts (emergency managers, researchers, NWS personnel)

¨     Identify community readiness resource needs.

¨     Enhances core infrastructure to support other community concerns.

Where can I get more information on TsunamiReady?

¨     The West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center’s web page: http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov

¨     The Warning Coordination Meteorologist at your local National Weather Service office.

¨     The National Weather Service’s StormReady Program web page: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/stormready .