Tsunami Preparedness on the Oregon and Washington Coast: Recommendations for Research

Abstract

This study sought to identify the research that is needed to improve tsunami emergency preparedness in the Pacific Northwest. A search of the archival literature yielded very few journal articles and technical reports on community preparedness for tsunami hazard in the United States. Consequently, we conducted interviews with 12 key informants within six coastal communities in four counties of Washington and Oregon. These two sources of information revealed a number of important deficiencies related to emergency response preparedness and risk communication. Based on this assessment, we propose a series of specific recommendations for research on agency notification and mobilization, protective action selection and timing, warning and evacuation, and risk communication and perception. Addressing research needs in these areas would improve coastal communities’ ability to respond effectively to tsunami threat.