PORT ANGELES — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recognized the city of Port Angeles as “tsunami-ready.”
Ted Buehner, warning coordination meteorologist from the National Weather Service forecast office in Seattle, presented TsunamiReady road signs to city officials earlier this month.
“The city of Port Angeles is proud to be recognized as a TsunamiReady community,” said Mayor Cherie Kidd.
“This recognition is the result of a comprehensive preparedness evaluation through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“This designation could not have happened without a collaborative effort that involved the city, the county, local businesses and the port.”
The city met criteria that included developing a tsunami safety plan and communications infrastructure, installation of dozens of tsunami hazard zone and evacuation signs and actively promoting tsunami safety through public-awareness activities and training.
Both Clallam and Jefferson counties, as well as the city of Port Townsend, also have achieved the distinction.
The TsunamiReady preparedness program, which began in 2004, helps communities develop tsunami response plans with NOAA’s National Weather Service and local emergency managers.
To be recognized, a community must:
■ Establish a 24-hour center for receiving National Weather Service warnings and activating local warning systems.
■ Have more than one way to alert the public about tsunami and severe weather warnings.
■ Promote public readiness through community education and the distribution of information.
■ Develop a formal tsunami plan that includes holding emergency exercises.
The designation must be renewed after three years.
For more information, visit www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov.
