U.S. tsunami preparedness
Subtitle: NOAA has expanded Its tsunami programs, but improved planning could enhance effectiveness
By: report to congressional committees
Contributors: Mittal, Anu K.
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 34
Subjects: Planning; Evaluation; Intergovernmental cooperation; Tsunamis; Safety measures; Tsunami Warning System; Emergency management; Forecasting; United States. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; United States
Other titles: United States tsunami preparedness :; NOAA has expanded Its tsunami programs, but improved planning could enhance effectiveness
Description: In June 2006, GAO reported a number of concerns about the level of U.S. tsunami preparedness. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) leads U.S. efforts through three key programs: the Tsunami Program, which focuses on detection and warning activities; the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP), which is a partnership with federal and state agencies focusing on hazard assessment and mitigation; and TsunamiReady, which is a partnership with at-risk communities focusing on education and emergency planning. The Tsunami Warning and Education Act of 2006 directed improvements in NOAA's warning and mitigation efforts and mandated GAO to report on its progress. This report addresses (1) the extent to which NOAA developed effective strategic plans for its tsunami programs and (2) the status of NOAA's efforts to strengthen and expand the programs and move tsunami research to application. GAO analyzed NOAA documents and interviewed federal, state, and local officials responsible for tsunami planning and preparedness efforts. GAO recommends that NOAA revise its tsunami strategic plans to ensure that all plan components are complete and develop a transition plan specifically for tsunami research. NOAA reviewed a draft of this report and agreed with its recommendations.
Notes: Title from PDF title screen (GAO, viewed May 19, 2010).

"April 2010."

"GAO-10-490."

Includes bibliographical references.