Tsunami Hazard Mitigation 1
Tsunami Hazard Mitigation 1 : Components of a Tsunami Preparedness Strategy: Improved Detection of Tsunamis: The detection of tsunamis is being addressed at the federal government level. Satellite-linked buoys deployed into the open ocean by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can detect small changes in sea level as tsunami waves pass under them. The Canadian Hydrographic Service has installed tidal gauges on the B.C. coast that can be read remotely, in real time, to monitor the arrival of tsunami waves on land. Seismic sensors are being linked together regionally, irrespective of their ownership, to provide a greater degree of accuracy in the detection of earthquakes that could be accompanied by tsunamis. Tsunami Models and Mapping: Scientists use historical tsunami evidence and mathematics to create tsunami models that determine possible wave heights based on local coastal conditions. Mapping coastal areas shows where community members can possibly expect tsunami flooding and where safe havens/evacuation sites should be located. Local Preparedness Planning: Local governments need to have plans in place so emergency responders and the public know what to do in the event of a tsunami alert. Tsunami exercises and public education campaigns are ways to meet this need. Local Warning and Alerting: Upon receipt of B.C. Tsunami Bulletins or other reliable information that suggests a local tsunami is imminent, local emergency officials need to communicate the threat to the public. This requires having at least two or more means of ensuring timely warning dissemination to indoor and outdoor populations, based on population and local resources. Please see the PEP website (www.pep.bc.ca) for the Community Notification Toolkit that discusses different notification systems and methods. Systems and methods for consideration include: (a) Fixed sirens and horns; (b) Local broadcasting stations; (c) Vehicle and boat sirens and public address systems; (d) Telephone notification (dial-down) systems; (e) Indoor public address systems; (f) Tone alert activated radios placed in public facilities and workplaces; (g) Outdoor mobile electronic signs; (h) Fixed signage with flashing lights and instructions, e.g., "Emergency Info when Flashing: Proceed Inland and away from Water"; (i) Door-to-door verbal notification and leafleting; (j) Marine and local two-way radio. Safety Signage: Local governments have a responsibility, within their jurisdictions, to ensure that citizens know how to evacuate to safe havens. Internationally adopted signage is now posted in B.C. Public awareness and Education: Public awareness is critical for effective tsunami warning and alerting. Populations must understand the importance of tsunami notifications and signage and must be prepared for emergencies. Every year, coastal B.C.'s tourism industry brings in thousands of visitors, not all of whom speak English. As well, B.C. has a diverse population, so consideration should be given to creating educational materials in many languages. Information material to enhance public awareness of the tsunami hazard is available from a variety of agencies and service organizations. Local governments who have not already developed local materials may want to consider using existing materials (See Appendix I-References). Local governments may consider using a variety of methods to provide tsunami information to the public within their communities. These may include: (1) Organized workshops with a number of different groups, such as schools, hospitals, retirement centres, library, recreational centres, neighbourhood centres, churches, businesses (restaurants, hotels, bookstores, factories), private organizations (Red Cross, environmental groups, clubs), or parks (registration centres or campsites). (2) Distribution of pamphlets and brochures at/through the emergency community website, email, handouts at workshops, post mail to residents, tourist sites (visitor centres, hotels, restaurants), transportation sites (airports, ferries, marinas, cruise ships), business sites (shopping malls, factories), inserts or articles for local newspapers, or door-to-door delivery by volunteers. (3) Information signage showing evacuation routes, tsunami staging areas or general information signs placed in inundation areas that attract many people (shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, workplaces, trail heads, beach access points). (4) Media materials, such as background material, media kits, and education videotapes, can be distributed to all coastal jurisdictions and to broadcast shows on radio and television. (5) School materials can be distributed to school districts in all coastal areas (6) Libraries, both school and public, are good locations for education and awareness materials. (7) Emergency Preparedness Week activities could include workshops, evacuation exercises, and the introduction of new warning systems, such as sirens (See Appendix I-References for a list of materials available to help local planners, emergency management personnel, and elected officials better understand the tsunami risk in B.C.)
No records Found