WSSPC Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Symposium 1997

Review and Schedule

To host a Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Symposium has been an idea WSSPC has been working on over the last year and a half. In Polson, Montana, at the last WSSPC Annual Conference, the newly formed WSSPC Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Committee met for the first time. At that meeting the participants determined that the mission of the committee is to promote efforts which can be undertaken by local and state governments to mitigate tsunami hazards. Its purpose is to coordinate and implement tsunami hazard mitigation plans in a systematic and comprehensive manner to focus on the best policies given the current technology and knowledge of the hazard; focus on mitigation along populated coastal areas; and to identify emergency management needs in order to facilitate research.

In addition to hosting this Symposium, the activities of the committee are designated to include creating an internet presence for tsunami issues, developing a strategic plan for the committee, and working to elevate tsunami issues at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A tremendous amount of work went into planning this WSSPC Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Symposium. The success of this event is the result of the hard work of many individuals. We would like to acknowledge all of the panelists for participating in the sessions. This symposium will be a success due in part to the efforts of the local WSSPC member agencies. The British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program, in particular David Gronbeck-Jones, need to be thanked for their efforts in making this conference a success and for the diligent work in putting together the outstanding WSSPC Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Committee web site. We would also like to thank Brain Yanagi of the Hawaii State Civil Defense for help in setting and facilitating the agenda. Finally, this event was made possible in part through a grant from the United States Geological Survey.

Clearly, the successes of this event, in particular, and of the WSSPC activities throughout the year are the result of the time and effort of the WSSPC Board of Directors and the staff. Our gratitude and thanks goes out to each of them.

November 4, 1997

7:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m.

Opening Session

Eddie Bernard Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory

8:30 a.m.

Session 1 - Warning Guidance
(Alaska and Pacific Tsunami Warning Centers)

Session discussions would focus on Tsunami Alerts involving PTWC/ATWC.

Presenters -

Michael Blackford Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

Thomas Sokolowski West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center

10:30 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m.

Session 2 - National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program

Session to update the efforts of implementing the plan. Topics to include a discussion on efforts towards Hazard Assessment (Tsunami Inundation Mapping/Scientific Research).

Presenters -

Richard Hagemeyer National Weather Service

Richard Eisner California Office of Emergency Services

Tim Walsh Washington Department of Natural Resources

12:00 noon

Lunch

November 4, 1997

1:30 p.m.

Session 3 - Efforts in Mitigation, Public Awareness
and Emergency Response

Various local/state representatives will make presentations about programs that can be replicated or emulated. This session would conclude with a discussion about other ideas and programs from the conference attendees.

Presenters -

Mark Darienzo Oregon Emergency Management

Lori Dengler Humboldt State University

Don Hull Oregon Department of Geology
and Mineral Industries

Angie Karel Oregon Department of Geology
and Mineral Industries

David Oppenheimer United States Geological Survey

Brian Yanagi Hawaii State Civil Defense

3:30 p.m.

Break

4:00 p.m.

Session 3 (continues)

5:30 p.m.

Workshop Evaluation/Committee Deliberation