PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS

OF TSUNAMIS

Toni Rosati

“Eventually, all coastal communities inCalifornia will have tsunami warning signs.” Troy Nicolini, NWS

•Surveys taken approximately one year after sign installation in Los Angeles area beaches

•147 respondents in the Los Angeles coastal area were surveyed

•22 Likert Scale Questions, 4 Multiple Choice, 1 Qualitative Question

•Convenience Sample Selection (In a parking lot near a tsunami sign or in a college class near tsunami innundation zone.

METHODOLOGY

Southern California is among top areas for historically damaging tsunamis.

1999

RESULTS

• 60% felt that tsunamis were not a threat to Los Angles

• Devastating waves have hit the Santa Monica area as recent as 1964

• Non-destructive events have occurred 3 times in the last 12 months.

RESULTS

RESULTS

66% think the warning signs are an effective method of public communication

But very few respondents were aware the tsunami warning signage and evacuation route plans existed.

RESULTS

The Qualitative Question…

• Most Los Angelinos remain in denial that they live near a tsunami hazard zone

• 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.

• Respondents believe the government is being resonsible, but most have been unaware and unaffected by the efforts.

• Many are expecting to be warned in ways that are notcurrently organized (texting, sirens) or are simplyimpossible (newspaper).

DISCUSSION

•The dense population, expansive geography and tourism patterns should be better assessed

•Public communication expectations must be understood

•NOAA should make efforts to meet or adjust those expectations to match emergency management plans and capabilities.

•Future research will include using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to compare the population density to signage ratio of Los Angeles with successful TsunamiReady locations.

CONCLUSION

Any Questions?