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Los Angeles implements NOAA tsunami and storm preparedness programs
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The City of Los Angeles has become the largest U.S. city to meet the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tsunami readiness standards.
NOAA said on Jan. 27 that the city is "Stormready" and "TsunamiReady." The two voluntary community storm and disaster-readiness programs are grassroots programs sponsored by NOAA, developed to prepare and warn citizens about severe weather, flooding and tsunami threats.
To become StormReady and TsunamiReady, the city of Los Angeles met stringent criteria focusing on both internal and external communication, alert systems, reception and understanding of hazardous weather alerts, community outreach and a comprehensive natural disaster plan, according to NOAA.
The StormReady and TsunamiReady programs are a part of NOAA National Weather Service's working partnership with the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Emergency Management Association and the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program. The StormReady and TsunamiReady designation must be renewed after three years, said NOAA.
Mark Jackson, meteorologist-in-charge of the National Weather Service forecast office in Oxnard, presented city officials with recognition letters and StormReady and TsunamiReady signs at a ceremony on January 27 during the Los Angeles City Council meeting.
"As a City that faces the potential wrath of Mother Nature on a number of fronts, Los Angeles is proud to have earned the National Weather Service's distinctive "TsunamiReady" and "StormReady" recognition," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "Our City is committed to the highest level of emergency preparedness so that our residents can be best equipped to deal with any sort of disaster."
“Like all areas along the West Coast, a tsunami could strike Los Angeles,” said Jackson. “Preparing for disaster is everyone's responsibility. Develop your own emergency response plan, keep a disaster supply kit on hand and learn the tsunami warning signs.”
