Tsunami Preparedness and Mitigation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting tsunami hazard assessments in coastal communities?

  • To prevent tsunamis from occurring.
  • To determine the exact date and time of future tsunamis.
  • To identify and map areas likely to be flooded during a tsunami and by how much. (correct)
  • To relocate entire communities to inland areas.

Which of the following is a key component of community tsunami preparedness?

  • Constructing offshore barriers to dissipate wave energy.
  • Planning and practicing for response to tsunamis. (correct)
  • Seeding clouds to reduce rainfall during a tsunami event.
  • Implementing a mandatory swimming course for all residents.

What is the main goal of the TsunamiReady® program?

  • To eliminate the possibility of tsunamis.
  • To provide funding for coastal development projects.
  • To help communities minimize the risks posed by tsunamis through better risk assessment, planning, education, and warning communications. (correct)
  • To promote tourism in coastal regions.

How do local bathymetry and topography influence tsunami impacts on different communities?

<p>They can cause tsunami impacts to vary greatly from one community to the next. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of mitigating potential tsunami impacts through thoughtful land-use planning and building design?

<p>Building tsunami evacuation structures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key functions are emphasized by the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program?

<p>Hazard assessment, warning guidance, and mitigation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for communities to establish, mark, and publicize evacuation routes?

<p>To ensure efficient and safe evacuation during a tsunami. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would be least effective in preparing for a tsunami?

<p>Ignoring tsunami warning signs to avoid causing panic. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do computer models play in tsunami hazard assessment?

<p>They are used to simulate tsunami behavior and predict inundation areas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Hawaii recognizing April as Tsunami Awareness Month?

<p>It is an effort to raise public awareness about tsunami risks and promote preparedness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tsunami Frequency

Tsunamis do not occur frequently, but can cause significant impacts when they do.

Tsunami Hazard Assessments

Coastal communities should assess tsunami hazards to understand potential impacts of different tsunami sizes and sources.

Mapping Tsunami Hazard Zones

Computer models and past tsunami data are used to map areas likely to be flooded and determine potential flood depth.

Using Tsunami Hazard Maps

Communities use hazard zone maps to identify at-risk community assets and prioritize preparedness, response, and mitigation.

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Protective Measures

Planning and practicing response, warning the public, establishing evacuation routes, and providing public education.

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Mitigation Planning

Land-use planning and building design in hazard zones.

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Thoughtful Land-Use Planning

Improving escape routes, evacuation structures, limiting development, and designing resilient buildings.

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National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program

Federal/state partnership focused on hazard assessment, warning guidance, and mitigation.

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TsunamiReady® Program

A voluntary program that helps communities minimize tsunami risk through assessment, planning, education, and communication.

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Study Notes

Tsunami Preparedness and Mitigation for Communities

  • While infrequent, tsunamis are among Earth's most impactful natural hazards.
  • Even smaller, more frequent tsunamis can lead to fatalities, injuries, and significant damage.
  • Communities can implement measures before, during, and after a tsunami to protect lives and reduce damage.

Hazard Assessments

  • Tsunami impacts vary between communities due to differences in bathymetry and topography.
  • Coastal communities should conduct hazard assessments to understand potential impacts from tsunamis of varying sizes and origins.
  • Assessments use computer models and historical data to map areas at risk of flooding and the extent of flooding.
  • Tsunami hazard zone maps help communities identify at-risk areas and prioritize preparedness, response, and mitigation efforts.

Protective Measures

  • Communities that understand their tsunami risk can better protect the public.
  • Protective measures include planning and practicing responses, public warnings, establishing evacuation routes, and public education.

Land-Use Planning and Building Design

  • Thoughtful land-use planning and building design in tsunami hazard zones enhance preparedness and mitigation.
  • Strategies include improving evacuation routes and building tsunami evacuation structures.
  • Limiting new development in hazard zones and designing structures to minimize tsunami damage are also important.
  • Other strategies consist of adopting tsunami-specific building codes and protecting existing infrastructure critical for response and recovery.
  • Relocating important community assets and vulnerable populations out of tsunami hazard zones is a proactive measure.
  • Planning for post-tsunami recovery is essential for long-term resilience.

TsunamiReady Program

  • To be recognized as TsunamiReady, communities must implement activities outlined in the TsunamiReady Guidelines.

United States Programs

  • Much of the tsunami preparedness and mitigation work in the U.S. is conducted through two programs:
  • National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP)
  • NWS TsunamiReady® program

National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP)

  • NTHMP is a federal/state partnership led by NOAA, including FEMA, USGS, and 28 U.S. states and territories.
  • The program focuses on hazard assessment, warning guidance, and mitigation through collaboration and support.

NWS TsunamiReady® Program

  • NWS TsunamiReady® is a voluntary community recognition program that helps communities minimize tsunami risk.
  • TsunamiReady® achieves reduced risk through improved risk assessment, planning, education, and warning communications.
  • The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO modeled their International Tsunami Ready program after the NWS program.

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