Perceptions of Tsunamis
- 1. Toni RosatiPublic perceptions of tsunamis
- 2. Eventually, all coastal communities inCalifornia will have tsunami warning signs. Troy Nicolini, NWS
- 3. METHODOLOGYSurveys taken approximately one year after sign installation in Los Angeles area beaches
- 4. 147 respondents in the Los Angeles coastal area were surveyed
- 5. 22 Likert Scale Questions, 4 Multiple Choice, 1 Qualitative Question
- 6. Convenience Sample Selection (In a parking lot near a tsunami sign or in a college class near tsunami innundation zone.Southern California is among top areas for historically damaging tsunamis.1999
- 7. RESULTS 60% felt that tsunamis were not a threat to Los Angles
- 8. Devastating waves have hit the Santa Monica area as recent as 1964
- 9. Non-destructive events have occurred 3 times in the last 12 months.RESULTS
- 10. RESULTS66% think the warning signs are an effective method of public communicationBut very few respondents were aware the tsunami warning signage and evacuation route plans existed.
- 11. RESULTS
- 13. DISCUSSION Most Los Angelinos remain in denial that they live near a tsunami hazard zone
- 14. Far too many people would NOT know what to do in the event of a tsunami. Over 42% failed to report that they would seek higher ground.
- 15. Respondents believe the government is being resonsible, but most have been unaware and unaffected by the efforts.
- 16. Many are expecting to be warned in ways that are notcurrently organized (texting, sirens) or are simplyimpossible (newspaper).
- 17. CONCLUSIONThe dense population, expansive geography and tourism patterns should be better assessed
- 18. Public communication expectations must be understood
- 19. NOAA should make efforts to meet or adjust those expectations to match emergency management plans and capabilities.
- 20. Future research will include using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to compare the population density to signage ratio of Los Angeles with successful TsunamiReady locations.Any Questions?