Tsunamiready Community Requirements
*** THIS IS A WORKING DRAFT (November 6, 2008) ***
TsunamiReadyCommunity Requirements
TsunamiReady establishes minimum guidelines for a community to be awarded the TsunamiReady recognition. Communities that accept the challenge and meet prescribed point totals set by the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP)are designated as TsunamiReady communities. Guidelines to achieve TsunamiReady recognition are given in the following table.
Note: the term “community” henceforth in this document refers to the coastal entity that is applying for TsunamiReady recognition, whether that be a county, municipality, Tribal nation, town, borough, city, village or state/national park.
Have “other” sections in each subsection.
Community Rating Table for TR Recognition
Guideline Ratings / # of Mandatory Elements* / # of Required Points** / Total Points PossibleMitigation / 3 / 0 / 100
Preparedness / 6 / 20 / 96
Response / 5 / 30 / 143
Recovery / 0 / 5 / 41
Total / 14 / 55 / 380
*Mandatory Elements are those that must be completed for TR Recognition.
**Required Points are in addition to the mandatory elements and can be achieved through the guidelines and associated point values in the tables below.
Mitigation
Guidelines / Points earned toward recognition1. Planning
Where inundation modeling and mapping are not available - define your community’s tsunami impact zone based on NOAATsunamiWarningCenter guidance / M
Develop a Local (community) Tsunami Mitigation Plan that includes identification of critical facilities in your community’s tsunami inundation zone, and is approved by the State EMA. / M
The tsunami hazard is addressed in your State’s FEMA approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan pursuant to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Stafford Act). / M
The tsunami hazard is addressed in your community’s FEMA approved Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan pursuant to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Stafford Act). / 5
The tsunami hazard is addressed in your State’s Enhanced FEMA approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan pursuant to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Stafford Act) / 3
Your community activelyparticipates in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. This means your community must adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance and require that development on lands mapped in the floodplain (as identified on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)) be appropriately located and elevated. / 1
Your community participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) for the National Flood Insurance Program
your CRS classification is currently “Class 1” / 10
your CRS classification is currently “Class 2” / 9
your CRS classification is currently “Class 3” / 8
your CRS classification is currently “Class 4” / 7
your CRS classification is currently “Class 5” / 6
your CRS classification is currently “Class 6” / 5
your CRS classification is currently “Class 7” / 4
your CRS classification is currently “Class 8” / 3
your CRS classification is currently “Class 9” / 2
your CRS classification is currently “Class 10” / 1
Tsunami inundation modeling and mapping has been completed for your community. / 3
Tsunami inundation modeling and mapping, that meets NOAA/NTHMP guidelines, has been completed for your community. (Note: NTHMP guidelines will be developed in 2009). / 5
Your community has integrated tsunami inundation modeling and mapping into your Local (community) Tsunami Mitigation Plan, FEMA approved Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, and/or State’s FEMA approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. / 2
Your state has completed a study on it’s coastal community exposure and sensitivity to the tsunami hazard. (Thepurpose of this study is to describe tsunami-prone landscapes on the U.S.coast and to documentgeographic variations in community vulnerability to tsunamis.) Identify critical facilities in your community’s inundation zone. To understand tsunami risk, policymakers, emergency managers, and private citizens must understand the potential for extreme events and thevulnerability of communities that occupy tsunami-prone land. Other references include: Variations in Community Exposure and Sensitivity to Tsunami Hazards on the Open-Ocean and Strait of Juan de Fuca Coasts of Washington and Variations in Community Exposure and Sensitivity to Tsunami Hazards in the State of Hawai'i / 5
Your community has incorporated work/studies on your community’s exposure and sensitivity to the tsunami hazard into your Local (community) Tsunami Mitigation Plan, FEMA approved Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, and/or State’s FEMA approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. / 2
Within the past five years, your community has conducted loss-estimation tools such as Hazards US (HAZUS).(Note: HAZUS does not have tsunami model – but your community could run the earthquake model then use storm surge model for the inundation with major assumptions). / 5
Your community has formally addressed the tsunami hazard through No Adverse Impact (NAI) coastal floodplain management as outlined by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). / 2
Your community is addressing the tsunami hazard through the use of Multi-Objective Management/Special Area Management Plans (SAMPs) in accordance with the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). / 2
Your community has local zoning ordinances (restricted development in the inundation zone) Are there points for each law, ) in place that steer development away from tsunami inundation zones. / 3
Your state has legislation/regulations/ordinances (sitting of critical facilities in the inundation zone) in place that steer development away from tsunami inundation zones. / 1
Your community’s Building/Planning/Zoning Department informs permit applicants of tsunami-related information such as extent of inundation zones and critical tsunami design criteria such as depth and velocity when needed. / 1
Your community’s Building/Planning/Zoning Department enforces any community tsunami resistant design and construction regulations. / 2
2. Projects
Your community’s Tsunami Mitigation Plan ensures adequate infrastructure to support your community’s evacuation plan. This could include the installation vertical evacuation shelter(s) using the criteria from Guidelines for Design of Structures for Vertical Evacuation from Tsunamis (FEMA P646). If evacuation to high ground is not feasible, or the seismic strengthening of key bridges and other transportation elements to ensure they will be useable during a near source event. / 5
Your community has adopted and enforces seismic standards and building codes. If available, this is measured by your community’s score under the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS), which is done by the Insurance Services Organization (ISO). (Score should 1 for BCEGS Class 10-8, 2 for Class 7-5 and 3 for Class 4-1. If BCEGS not available, score is 1) / 1
Your community has adopted and enforced a suitable building code (such as the IBC, IRC, and IEBC) that is equivalent to NEHRP’s Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other Structures, 2003 edition (Note: 2009 edition will be available summer of 2009) for minimum design criteria for structures appropriate to their primary function and use considering the need to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public by minimizing the earthquake-related risk to life (this is required to meet Federal Executive Order 12699) / 3
For new multi-story projects near the coast (hotels, condos, etc.), the community requires that the structure comply with the vertical evacuation criteria in FEMA P646. / 5
For existing multi-story structures where a major renovation or change of use requires a building permit, the community requires the owner comply with the vertical evacuation criteria in FEMA P646 where feasible. / 5
Your community’s Ports and Harbors have enacted adequate tsunami mitigation procedures, including: tie refueling tanks down, automatic shut off valves, cap on pier moorings, restrict long term storage of material that would become potential debris, such as empty shipping containers, logs and lumber. / 3
Your community has implemented public projects for effective land use in your tsunami inundation zone. Examples include but are not limited to: the establishment of parks, greenways, golf courses, wildlife refuges, natural areas, or similar open space. / 5
Your community will receive points for each of the projects below that your community has implemented in your tsunami inundation zone:
Automatic shut off valves on gas lines / 1
Provide incentives-such as density bonuses, waivers of fees, set asides, reduced. parkingrequirements, and ability to transfer development credits to less hazardous areasto building owners to encourage investment in projects that reduce disaster losses. / 1
Develop incentives to encourage owners of buildings and facilities to undertake projects that will improve the performance of their structures when subjected to the forces of natural hazards (such as the real estate transfer tax / 1
Protect or elevate ground-mounted transformers / 1
Elevate vulnerable equipment, electrical controls, and other equipment at waste water treatment plants, potable water treatment plants, pump stations, and critical facilities. / 1
Protect wells and other potable water from infiltration and damage by raising controls and well pipe / 1
Encourage the use of the NFIP coastal flood resistant design and construction requirements for structures above the base flood elevation but still within the tsunami inundation zone. Additional guidance is provided in the FEMA Coastal Construction Manual (FEMA 55). / 1
Move building contents and inventory to a higher floor or store outside of the tsunami inundation zone. Protect any equipment that cannot be elevated. / 1
Where feasible, elevate existing buildings and their utilities above tsunami inundation elevation on a new foundation / 1
Where feasible, relocatebuildings outside tsunami inundation zone. Acquire and demolish the structures and restrict land use to open space. / 1
Store important documents, such as insurance papers and other business papers and irreplaceable personal objects (such as photographs), where they will not get damaged / 1
Identify stored hazardous materials or other chemicals that could be impacted; and relocate or elevate these items outside the tsunami inundation zone. / 1
Slowing shoreline erosion with vegetation(e.g. mangrove prescription in NFIP)Coastal vegetative buffers can be established and preserved. / 2
Slowing shoreline erosion with “hybrid” stabilization techniques, such as a combinationof vegetation and geotextile netting. This hybrid technique is more resistant to erosionthan vegetation alone in moderate energy environments, and still provides diverse habitat,which rip-rap alone cannot do. (e.g. Hesco baskets, Dolosse (concrete jacks)) / 1
Augmenting (or mimicking) natural shoreline defenses, such as near shore shoals andbars. / 2
Natural dune or beach restoration. / 2
Near shore coral reef protection. / 2
Preparedness
Guidelines / Points earned toward recognition1. Education
Conduct a biannual tsunami exercise(select one from list below). For examples of exercises, please click here. / M
- tabletop
- functional
- full-scale (community)
Integrate the tsunami hazard, local warning and evacuation protocols into your community’s Initial Responder (police, fire, EMT, etc.) training. / M
Your community will receive points for participating in the following National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program’s (NTHMP) Tsunami Education Program activities:
Designate a community “TsunamiReady Champion” (Public Education Instructor(s)) for the NTHMP’s Tsunami Education Program. (Most likely a “sparkplug” volunteer or paid staff and not the community’s EM, checklist as an aid for EMs to track/manage this effort) / 2
TR Champion has participated in the NTHMP Tsunami Education Program’s train-the-trainer (T3) program. / 2
Conduct Community-Specific Public Education Workshops that utilize the guidelines of the NTHMP’s Tsunami Education Program. / 6
Schools in your community have integrated tsunami hazard education activities, practice evacuations, and provide safety material to staff and students. Points will be awarded for the following activities:
Integrate tsunami science and safety information in primary and secondary school activities. / 1
Your community’s schools have adopted a tsunami curriculum / 1
Provide an opportunity biennially for a Tsunami awareness presentation by NOAA and/or local Emergency Manager. / 1
At least annually, schools within your tsunami inundation/hazard zone conduct tsunami evacuation drills(model after fire drills). / 5
Written safety material should be provided to all staff and students. / 1
Have an earthquake plan (where appropriate). / 1
Establish a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program that includes the tsunami hazard in its training. / 1
Conduct “Are You Ready?” workshop (4 hour) with a tsunami component in your community – (fema.gov/areyouready) / 3
Implementing “map your neighborhood” campaign in your community / 3
Participate in classes offered by FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute
( we need to clarify what classes? IEMC 900? On-line courses?) / 1
Your local Emergency Management Program is accredited through EMAP. The Emergency Management Accreditation Program, or EMAP, is a voluntary review process for state and local emergency management programs. Accreditation is a means of demonstrating, through self-assessment, documentation and peer review, that a program meets national standards for emergency management programs. (Note: we need to coordinate with NEMA) / 1
Your local Emergency Manager is a Certified Emergency Manager® (CEM®) or Associate Emergency Manager® (AEM®), a peer review process administered through the International Association of Emergency Managers. (Note: we need to coordinate with IAEM) / 1
Participate in classes offered by NOAA’sCoastalServicesCenter
( that can help local government staff to better inform elected officials, the public, educators, real estate agents, insurance agents, and surveyors about ways to mitigate the impacts of coastal hazards including tsunamis. / 1
Establish and maintain a trained tsunami observer/spotter program. Training should include procedures for safely reporting tsunami observations and tsunami damage to local officials, including your local NWS office.(examples are the Hawaii and Newport Beach, CA programs – check on liability) / 1
Conduct red cross sheltering training. / 1
Familiarize “flightseeing” businesses with tsunami documentation gathering procedures / 1
2. Projects
Designate/establish tsunami hazard areas, assembly areas (sufficient to support the population) evacuation routes, and safe zones based on tsunami inundation modeling and mapping. / M
Install and maintain signage in your community identifying tsunami hazard areas, evacuation areas, evacuation routes, and safe areas based on the tsunami section of your FEMA approved Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. / M
Create evacuation maps of tsunami hazard areas, assembly areas, evacuation routes, and safe zones based on tsunami inundation modeling and mapping. / 10
Your community’s government has dedicated official resources (people and their time) to work on the tsunami hazard. (e.g. Cannon Beach, OR) / 10
Install and maintain tsunami hazard zone signs along beach/shore access points. / 3
Your community participates in a state end-to-end communications test of the tsunami warning system. Should include EAS activation. For detailed information on previous successful tests, please click here. / 1
Your community conducts a local communications test of the tsunami warning system. / 10
Conduct a baseline evaluation to determine initial level of community tsunami awareness prior to implementing TsunamiReady. / 10
Conduct a follow-up survey to assess the success of your community tsunami awareness program. / 10
Implement a program to help special needs population to evacuate (e.g. “neighbor helping neighbor”). / 5
Your community has access to a tsunami inundation web tool – that helps people see if they are in the hazard zone. (NOAA PDC for Hawaii) / 1
Designate an official telephone information service (e.g. “call 211” in Hawaii) that can tell citizens where to evacuate in the event of a tsunami warning. / 1
Ability to locally monitor ocean water levels (e.g. community engineering department, NOAA Tides and Currents) / 1
3. Outreach
Provide written, locally specific tsunami safety and response material to your citizens. Materials can be multimedia and should include your community’s: tsunami hazard zone maps, evacuation routes, and basic tsunami information (e.g. how tsunami evacuations are initiated and the locally defined evacuation protocol, definitions of tsunami, tsunami warning, distant vs. local tsunami event, etc.) Communities can meet this requirement by implementing one or more of the activities listed below: / M
Tsunami safety information provided through your local tourist industry (restaurants, recreational services (e.g. fishing excursions, diving industry, surf shops, etc.), vehicle rental businesses, museums, gift shops, etc.). Inclusion of tsunami safety information as part of rental agreement packages, posting placards by service counters, etc. (stickers for businesses showing they can provide tsunami info – TsunamiSavvy (like Chamber of Commerce annual stickers)
Tsunami safety training provided to local hotel and motel staff.
Historical markers/interpretative signs (if applicable)
Create a packet of reference materials and work with your Public Information Officer to provide to your local news media partners (if applicable).
Where applicable, integrate the tsunami hazard into the safety information provided by the Cruise Ship Industry to their patrons (e.g. onboard videos, publishing information in Guest Services Books, posting placards on the back of cabin room doors, etc.)
Post tsunami safety information on community, agency, company, or association websites.
Issue Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on the tsunami hazard and directing your public to additional information resources. Use PSAs to announce upcoming exercises and tsunami warning tests.
Participate in interviews promoting tsunami safety. Radio and television spots are examples.
Ensure tsunami safety information is made available through libraries
Distribute tsunami information materials (brochures, pocket guides, stickers, bumper stickers, magnets, etc.) throughout your community.
Distribute tsunami preparedness information through your local business community (non-tourist industry). Examples would includelocating displays with take-home materials in: building supply outlets, convenience stores, gas stations, shopping malls, and neighborhood hardware stores.
Publish or post tsunami safety articles for daily or weekly newspapers, free tabloids, or community blogs.
Incorporate into public utility/service industry bill safety notices.
Tsunami safety information posted in high visibility, strategic locations of public service buildings (Libraries, City Hall, Harbor Master’s office, Port Authority Office, post office, school lobbies, fire station, etc.)
Tsunami safety information posted on billboard/highway/beach entry signs.
Messages distributed in local faith-based and civic organization bulletins/mailings.
Conduct mass mailings of tsunami safety information to local residents and businesses.
Conduct Annually workshops, town hall meetings, events that help inform your citizens public on local tsunami safety and response. Information covered should include your community’s: tsunami hazard zone maps, evacuation routes, and tsunami science and safety information. Communities can meet this requirement by implementing one or more of the activities listed below: / M
Host a community tsunami safety campaign, that brings at least brings in Emergency Management, USGS, Seismic Institutes, NOAA, Tsunami experts, etc. for a series of workshops and meetings. Other potential experts could include Red Cross, CERT, your state’s Tsunami and Earthquake Program Coordinator, FEMA, USCG, etc.
Conduct door-to-door safety awareness campaign with residents and businesses in your community’s tsunami inundation/hazard zone.
Conduct workshops with local businesses (e.g. Chamber of Commerce, tourist industry, etc.) to aid them in developing their own tsunami response and recovery plans.
Address the tsunami hazard at your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings.
If applicable, address the tsunami hazard at your Local AreaEmergency Communications Committee (that typical maintains theEmergency Alert System (EAS) Local Area Plan for your community). Typically this Committee includes representatives from the local broadcast and cable operators,the National Weather Service, and the local Emergency Management.
Participate in a state Tsunami Technical Review/Advisory Committee
Conduct presentations or workshops on tsunamis with faith-based organizations, community or civic groups. Examples would include Rotary, Kiwanis, Moose, Elks, Chamber of Commerce, Business Associations, Yacht Clubs, Mariner Associations, Scout Troops, etc.)
Incorporate local tsunami information into booths at community events and county fairs.
Incorporate tsunami information into local public safety campaigns. An example is a local application of a Governor’s Proclamation for “Tsunami Awareness” week/month.
Address the tsunami hazard at your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings.
If applicable, address the tsunami hazard at your Local AreaEmergency Communications Committee (that typical maintains theEmergency Alert System (EAS) Local Area Plan for your community). Typically this Committee includes representatives from the local broadcast and cable operators,the National Weather Service, and the local Emergency Management.
Participate in a state Tsunami Technical Review/Advisory Committee
Conduct presentations or workshops on tsunamis with faith-based organizations, community or civic groups. Examples would include Rotary, Kiwanis, Moose, Elks, Chamber of Commerce, Business Associations, Yacht Clubs, Mariner Associations, Scout Troops, etc.)
Incorporate local tsunami information into booths at community events and county fairs.
Incorporate tsunami information into local public safety campaigns. An example is a local application of a Governor’s Proclamation for “Tsunami Awareness” week/month.
Response