Rep. Mike Thompson Introduces Resolution Raising Tsunami Awareness

Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) introduced a resolution to help increase tsunami awareness and preparedness in at-risk coastal communities. Earlier this month, tsunami waves generated by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan caused significant damage in Crescent City, Fort Bragg, Santa Cruz, and other parts of Northern California. The California Emergency Management Agency has tentatively estimated damages to be in excess of $40 million.

“Over 7 million Americans live or vacation in coastal communities that are at-risk of experiencing a tsunami,” said Rep. Thompson. “While relatively rare, these natural disasters can literally wipe out entire communities and cause significant loss of life. In the wake of the recent disaster in Japan, it's important to encourage at-risk communities to plan and prepare for a potential tsunami. We don't get to pick the next disaster, so it's important to be informed about the threats and hazards we face.”

Tsunamis are a series of large ocean waves generated by major un­dersea disturbances, including earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions.All U.S. ocean coasts can be impacted by tsunamis, although some areas are at much greater risk than others. Since 1812, California has experienced 14 tsunamis with wave heights higher than three feet. Of these, six caused significant destruction, including the devastating 1964 tsunami that killed 11 people in Crescent City.

The full text of H. Res 185 is available below:

“Whereas a tsunami is a series of ocean or sea waves caused by a sudden, large displacement of water most often caused by earthquakes, but also by landslides, volcanic eruptions, and comet or meteorite impacts in the ocean;

“Whereas a tsunami is like a fast rising flood tide, storm surge, or an advancing wall of water and strikes with devastating force;

“Whereas a tsunami will continue for many hours;

“Whereas the first wave is often not the largest nor the most dangerous, and surges may arrive 24 hours or more after the initial wave;

“Whereas all U.S. ocean coasts can be impacted by tsunamis, though based on proximity to tsunami sources and sea floor configurations, some areas are at much greater risk than others;

“Whereas destructive and deadly tsunamis have struck Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands within the last 150 years;

“Whereas 7,000,000 people currently live in U.S. coastal communities at risk from a destructive tsunami;

“Whereas homes, businesses, public buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged by tsunami surges and strong currents during a tsunami;

“Whereas damage from a destructive tsunami is usually substantial as debris and tsunami surges can wash away homes, roads, and bridges in areas where the tsunami floods;

“Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA) National Weather Service operates two tsunami warning centers, in Palmer, Alaska, and Ewa Beach, Hawaii, which are staffed 24/7, and issue tsunami alerts (warnings, advisories, watches, and information statements) as early as two minutes after an earthquake;

“Whereas upon receipt of tsunami alerts, State and local emergency management agencies determine the appropriate response, including whether to clear the beaches, sound sirens, or evacuate people;

“Whereas experts at NOAA's Tsunami Warning Centers and the National Weather Service agree that it is critical for all people to know if they live or are visiting an area at risk to tsunamis to determine the tsunami history and flooding of the area, know tsunami inundation zones, and to develop a written family disaster plan based on this knowledge;

“Whereas the Tsunami Warning Centers recommend that people located in areas at-risk for tsunamis prepare a personal evacuation plan that identifies ahead of time evacuation routes and assembly areas and a local road map;

“Whereas the Tsunami Warning Centers recommend that people in areas at-risk for tsunamis prepare a portable disaster supply kit before a tsunami strikes that includes a first aid kit with essential medications, food, and at least 3 gallons of water per person per day for up to 3 to 7 days, protective clothing, rain gear, bedding or sleeping bags, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, and special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members;

“Whereas the Tsunami Warning Centers recommend that citizens know that a ‘tsunami warning' means a tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is imminent or expected for the warned area, and people should move up to higher ground or inland or to a designated tsunami evacuation shelter and stay there, listen to local officials, and be aware the first wave may not be the last or largest wave during the tsunami;

“Whereas the Tsunami Warning Centers recommend that citizens know that a ‘tsunami advisory' means a tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is imminent or expected for the advised area, people should move out of beach areas, marinas, and harbors, stay away from beach areas, marinas, and harbors until local officials say it's safe to return to the area under an advisory, and the threat may continue for several hours after the first wave's initial arrival;

“Whereas NOAA warns that the warning signs of a tsunami, include a strong earthquake, or one that persists for 20 seconds or longer, the ocean withdraws or rises rapidly, a loud, roaring sound (like an airplane or a train) coming from the ocean, and tsunami warnings broadcast over television and radio, by beach lifeguards, community sirens, text message alerts, National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center web sites and on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazard;

“Whereas if you see these warning signs, NOAA advises you of what to do, includingâ€"

1. keep calm;
2. immediately move to your local tsunami shelter using defined tsunami evacuation routes;
3. move to higher ground that is at least 100 feet in elevation, a mile inland, or to the highest floor of a sturdy building and stay there if there are no evacuation routes defined;
4. do not move from a safe location;
5. move on foot when possible, do not drive, keep roads clear for emergency vehicles;
6. stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or news broadcasts for changes in tsunami alerts; and
7. stay away from the coast and low-lying areas until local officials say it's safe to return;

“Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides more detailed information about tsunamis and tsunami preparedness via its website at https://www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov/;

“Whereas awareness of natural tsunami warning signs saves lives in areas close to the tsunami source; and

“Whereas National Tsunami Awareness Week will be the week of March 20, 2011, through March 26, 2011:

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representativesâ€"

1. Supports the goals and ideals of National Tsunami Awareness Week;
2. Encourages the staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, especially the National Weather Service and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, and other appropriate Federal agencies, to continue their work of educating people in the United States about tsunami preparedness;
3. Endorses the efforts of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (https://nthmp.tsunami.gov), a coordinated national effort of Federal, State and local entities, to assess tsunami threats, prepare community response, issue timely and effective warnings, and mitigate damage; and
4. Urges the people of the United States to recognize such a week as an opportunity to learn more about the work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in warning for and mitigating the impact of tsunamis and educating citizens about the potential risks of these natural disasters.”