Tsunami Warning and Preparedness : An Assessment of the U. S. Tsunami Program and the Nation's Preparedness Efforts

Division on Earth and Life Studies Staff, National Research Council Staff, Ocean Studies Board Staff, Committee on the Review of the Tsunami Warning and Forecast

ISBN 10: 0309137535 / ISBN 13: 9780309137539

Published by National Academies Press, 2011

About this Item

Used book that is in almost brand-new condition. May contain a remainder mark. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.

Seller Inventory # 58178223-6

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Tsunami Warning and Preparedness : An Assessment of the U. S. Tsunami Program and the Nation's Preparedness Efforts
• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309137535
• ISBN 13: 9780309137539
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Fine
• Weight: 1.8 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

Many coastal areas of the United States are at risk for tsunamis. After the catastrophic 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, legislation was passed to expand U.S. tsunami warning capabilities. Since then, the nation has made progress in several related areas on both the federal and state levels. At the federal level, NOAA has improved the ability to detect and forecast tsunamis by expanding the sensor network. Other federal and state activities to increase tsunami safety include: improvements to tsunami hazard and evacuation maps for many coastal communities; vulnerability assessments of some coastal populations in several states; and new efforts to increase public awareness of the hazard and how to respond.

Tsunami Warning and Preparedness explores the advances made in tsunami detection and preparedness, and identifies the challenges that still remain. The book describes areas of research and development that would improve tsunami education, preparation, and detection, especially with tsunamis that arrive less than an hour after the triggering event. It asserts that seamless coordination between the two Tsunami Warning Centers and clear communications to local officials and the public could create a timely and effective response to coastal communities facing a pending tsuanami.

According to Tsunami Warning and Preparedness, minimizing future losses to the nation from tsunamis requires persistent progress across the broad spectrum of efforts including: risk assessment, public education, government coordination, detection and forecasting, and warning-center operations. The book also suggests designing effective interagency exercises, using professional emergency-management standards to prepare communities, and prioritizing funding based on tsunami risk.