PMEL Publications Abstract
FY 1999
Strategic Implementation Plan for Tsunami Mitigation Projects, approved by the Mitigation Subcommittee of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, April 14, 1998
Dengler, L.
NOAA Tech. Memo. ERL PMEL-113, NTIS: PB99-115552, NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Seattle, WA, 133 pp (1998)
Executive Summary
The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program is a Federal–State partnership to reduce risks from tsunamis. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the States of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington are working together to assess tsunami hazard, facilitate communication of hazard information, improve early detection of tsunamigenic earthquakes, reduce false tsunami alarms, and support tsunami mitigation efforts for at-risk communities.
This strategic implementation plan responds to the need to define, prioritize and coordinate the mitigation efforts of the National Program. It emphasizes the efficient use of available resources, implementation of the technical results of the National Program at the state and local level, collaboration and sharing of information among the states and federal agencies, incorporation of tsunami issues into existing all-hazards programs, and the reporting and dissemination of program results.
Goal: A tsunami resistant community which:
- Understands the nature of the tsunami hazard
- Has the tools it needs to mitigate the tsunami risk
- Disseminates information about the tsunami hazard
- Exchanges information with other at-risk areas
- Institutionalizes planning for a tsunami disaster
The Strategic Plan provides a framework for the development of specific tools and policies for states and local communities to reduce the impact of future tsunamis. The plan address five strategic planning areas:
- Education
- Tools for Emergency Managers
- Construction, Abatement and Land Use Guidance
- Information Exchange and Coordination
- Long-term Tsunami Mitigation
Activities supported by the Mitigation Task of the National Program are in the following areas of emphasis:
- Improve tsunami education
- Provide tools to supply guidance and support local planners and emergency managers
- Create and strengthen links within and among states to support long-term tsunami mitigation
- Improve the mitigation science infrastructure
- Encourage innovation and local sponsorship of tsunami mitigation programs
This plan’s approach to achieving the goal involves a 4-year intensive development effort followed by continued sustained effort:
| Year 1: | Assessment of needs and resources |
| Year 2: | Feasibility studies and product development |
| Year 3 | Product development and implementation |
| Year 4: | Implementation and evaluation |
| Year 5 and beyond: | Implementation and maintenance |