NWS TsunamiReady program

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 9/2006

What is a TsunamiReady?

• A National Weather Service (NWS) program conducted in close coordination with state emergency management agencies which promotes tsunami hazard preparedness as an active collaboration among federal, state, and local emergency management agencies, the public, and the NOAA tsunami warning system.
• TsunamiReady is based on the NWS StormReady program.
• The program’s main goal is to increase public safety during tsunami emergencies.

Who is TsunamiReady for?

• Coastal communities and counties with tsunami hazard.

What makes a community TsunamiReady?

• Several guidelines must be met for a community or county to attain TsunamiReady status. Among these are:

• Multiple methods of receiving NWS tsunami warning information.
• The ability to disseminate a tsunami warning to the local populations.
• An established warning point and emergency operations center.
• A community tsunami awareness program.
• Designated tsunami hazard zones.
• Evacuation and response plans.

Why do we need a TsunamiReady program?

• The program sets minimum guidelines for communities and counties to follow for adequate tsunami readiness.
• Encourages consistency in educational materials, response, and planning among coastal communities.
• To recognize communities who have taken the steps necessary to prepare their emergency response infrastructure and population for a tsunami emergency.

• Increase public awareness and understanding of the tsunami hazard.

Who decides if a community is TsunamiReady?

• Oversight of the TsunamiReady program is accomplished within the National Weather Service by the National Storm/TsunamiReady board.
• The Board is responsible for national oversight of the program and for approving any changes to the guidelines.
• Regional TsunamiReady boards are established to designate regional criteria which can strengthen the requirements within the NWS Alaska, Pacific, Western, Southern, and Eastern regions.
• Local boards approve TsunamiReady applications. The local board normally consists of the local NWS office meteorologist-in-charge and warning coordination meteorologist, a representative from the appropriate state department of emergency services, the appropriate Tsunami Warning Center director, and a representative from the community or county requesting recognition.

Does it coast anything to become TsunamiReady?

• There may be costs involved with meeting some of the criteria.
• The NWS does not provide funding directly to communities. However, participating in the program will improve a community’s position to receive state and federal grants.

What are the benefits of being TsunamiReady?

• The community is better prepared to save lives in a tsunami emergency.
• As tsunamis are highly dangerous but rare events, the program will help communities keep their tsunami response plans current.
• The program will increase a community’s contact with experts and warning dissemination personnel.
• The program will enhance core emergency response infrastructure which will also support other hazard response.

Who do I contact for more information or to apply?

• Contact the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at your local NWS Forecast office.
• The NWS TsunamiReady website: www.stormready.noaa.gov.