Tsunami Products Improvement Team Briefing (February 7, 2012)

Tsunami Products Improvement Team Tsunami Products Improvement Team BriefingBriefing

(February 7, 2012)(February 7, 2012)

Team CompositionTeam Composition Sally Pavlow-Johnson (Co-Lead; NWS Liaison to Sally Pavlow-Johnson (Co-Lead; NWS Liaison to

FEMA)FEMA) Troy Nicolini (Co-Lead; Warning Coordination Troy Nicolini (Co-Lead; Warning Coordination

Meteorologist) Meteorologist) John Schelling (State Perspective)John Schelling (State Perspective) Vankita Brown (NWS, Social Scientist)Vankita Brown (NWS, Social Scientist) Ed Tirado (WFO San Juan; ITO & Union Rep.)Ed Tirado (WFO San Juan; ITO & Union Rep.) Wayne Presnell (NWSH Marine & Coastal Services)Wayne Presnell (NWSH Marine & Coastal Services) Brian Brong (WFO Reno; Formatter expert)Brian Brong (WFO Reno; Formatter expert) Jeff Lorens (WRH; Operational Tsunami Jeff Lorens (WRH; Operational Tsunami

Perspectives)Perspectives)

ClearConcise

Consistent Easily understood

Team ApproachTeam Approach

Outside looking in, no constraintsOutside looking in, no constraints

Focus of team:Focus of team: Warning ProductsWarning Products Tsunami Local StatementTsunami Local Statement Did Did notnot address “Information Statements/Bulletins” address “Information Statements/Bulletins”

Work Work withwith TWCs – consensus approach TWCs – consensus approach

ClearClear

Two products –Two products –

One for humans with One for humans with nono computer code computer code

One for computers with One for computers with allall the computer code the computer code

WXXX## PAAQ 110851 TSVPAC TSUNAMI WATCH/WARNING/ADVISORY BREAKPOINTS BULLETIN NUMBER 18 NWS WEST COAST/ALASKA TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER PALMER AK 1000 AM EST THU DEC 14 2006 AKZ191-111021- /O.CON.PAAQ.TS.W.0006.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/ 1251 AM PST FRI MAR 11 2011 ATTU ALASKA 52.89N 172.89E AMCHITKA PASS ALASKA 51.28N 179.84W $$ WAZ001-021-510-514>517-BCZ130-230-250-260-280-160-142-141-150-121-122-220-210-922-912-921-911-110-AKZ026>029-023-024-019>022-025-017-131-135-125-121-171-181-185-187-111021- /O.CON.PAAQ.TS.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/ 1251 AM PST FRI MAR 11 2011 AMCHITKA PASS ALASKA 51.28N 179.84W OREGON-WASHINGTON BORDER 42.00N 124.22W

Computer CodeComputer Code

Computer product:Computer product:• Automated generation by TWCs Automated generation by TWCs • Contains VTEC and UGC codesContains VTEC and UGC codes• For use by NWS hazard displays, The Weather For use by NWS hazard displays, The Weather

Channel, & other external usersChannel, & other external users• Could consider adding other info as needed for Could consider adding other info as needed for

automated purposes – such as text for EAS automated purposes – such as text for EAS alerts.alerts.

New format uses:New format uses:• SectionsSections• HeadingsHeadings• UnderlinesUnderlines• Blank linesBlank lines• BulletsBullets• IndentsIndents

Clear = ReadableClear = Readable

New format uses:New format uses:• SectionsSections• HeadingsHeadings• UnderlinesUnderlines• Blank linesBlank lines• BulletsBullets• IndentsIndents

• Mixed caseMixed case


IMPACTS FOR TSUNAMI ADVISORY AREAS ---------------------------------- * A TSUNAMI CAPABLE OF PRODUCING STRONG CURRENTS OR WAVES DANGEROUS TO

PERSONS IN OR VERY NEAR THE WATER IS EXPECTED. * SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD INUNDATION OF LAND IS NOT EXPECTED FOR AREAS

UNDER AN ADVISORY. * CURRENTS MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO SWIMMERS... BOATS... AND COASTAL

STRUCTURES AND MAY CONTINUE FOR DOZENS OF HOURS AFTER THE START OF THE TSUNAMI.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS ------------------- * IF YOU ARE IN A WARNING AREA - MOVE INLAND TO HIGHER GROUND. * IF YOU ARE IN AN ADVISORY AREA - MOVE OFF THE BEACH AND OUT OF

HARBORS AND MARINAS. * BE ALERT TO INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS. * DO NOT GO TO THE COAST TO WATCH THE TSUNAMI. * DO NOT RETURN TO THE COAST UNTIL LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS INDICATE

IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

3 Blank lines between sections for clarity

Underlined Section headings for emphasis

Blank lines between bullets for clarity


Clear = ConsistentClear = ConsistentConsistent Section Headings and OrderConsistent Section Headings and Order

WARNINGS/ADVISORIES/WATCHES ---------------------------- IMPACTS FOR TSUNAMI WARNING AREAS --------------------------------- IMPACTS FOR TSUNAMI ADVISORY AREAS ---------------------------------- RECOMMENDED ACTIONS ------------------- PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS --------------------------------- FORECASTS AND/OR OBSERVATIONS OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY ------------------------------------------------- NEXT UPDATE AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION --------------------------------------







Between EventsBetween Events

Between Warning CentersBetween Warning Centers

Between domestic and Between domestic and internationalinternational

Clear = ConsistentClear = Consistent Consistent order of observation/forecast pointsConsistent order of observation/forecast points

Clockwise for North AmericaClockwise for North America

Clear = ConsistentClear = Consistent Consistent order of observation/forecast pointsConsistent order of observation/forecast points

TSUNAMI ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR... * THE COASTAL AREAS OF ALASKA - BRITISH COLUMBIA AND WASHINGTON FROM

THE AMCHITKA PASS ALASKA/125 MILES W OF ADAK/ TO THE WASHINGTON –OREGON BORDER

* THE COASTAL AREAS OF CALIFORNIA FROM POINT CONCEPCION CALIFORNIA TO

THE CALIFORNIA-MEXICO BORDER

**WASHINGTON** WESTPORT NEAH BAY **OREGON** CHARLESTON SEASIDE **CALIFORNIA** CRESCENT CTY SAN FRANCSCO SANTA BARBAR SAN PEDRO LA JOLLA

Clockwise

ClearClearUpdated InfoUpdated Info

IMPACTS FOR TSUNAMI WARNING AREAS (UPDATED) --------------------------------- * A TSUNAMI WITH SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD INUNDATION OF LAND IS

EXPECTED. * WIDESPREAD DANGEROUS COASTAL FLOODING ACCOMPANIED BY POWERFUL

CURRENTS IS POSSIBLE AND MAY CONTINUE FOR 12 TO 48 HOURS AFTER THE START OF THE TSUNAMI.



UNDER AN ADVISORY.

ConciseConcise

Go with non-segmented productsGo with non-segmented products• Considerably reduces length (and repetition)Considerably reduces length (and repetition)• e.g. NEW vs. OLD format length:e.g. NEW vs. OLD format length:

NewNew OldOld %Reduction%Reduction # characters:# characters: 38113811 68916891 45%45% # words:# words: 720 720 11651165 39%39% # lines:# lines: 143143 216216 34%34% # pages:# pages: 33 55 40%40%

Easier for users to get the information they need Easier for users to get the information they need for their area, but retains info for the entire event for their area, but retains info for the entire event (keeps the big picture intact)(keeps the big picture intact)

ConciseConcise

Remove “static” informationRemove “static” information

Latitude/Longitude at forecast points (where Latitude/Longitude at forecast points (where appropriate)appropriate)

Could provide this information via other means, e.g. GIS Could provide this information via other means, e.g. GIS layers or new “TSV” productlayers or new “TSV” product

ConciseConciseRemove “static” informationRemove “static” information

• Generic definitionsGeneric definitions (too general; attempt was to cover (too general; attempt was to cover all bases, but reduced the power of the words)all bases, but reduced the power of the words)

Definition says: “IMMINENT OR EXPECTED” or “IS Definition says: “IMMINENT OR EXPECTED” or “IS POSSIBLE” POSSIBLE”

While other parts of the product says: “IS OCURRING”While other parts of the product says: “IS OCURRING”

In place of static definitions

Fold definition content into event specific, and time of event specific:

Impact StatementsRecommended Actions

IMPACTS FOR TSUNAMI WARNING AREAS --------------------------------- * A TSUNAMI WITH SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD INUNDATION OF LAND IS EXPECTED. * WIDESPREAD DANGEROUS COASTAL FLOODING ACCOMPANIED BY POWERFUL

CURRENTS IS POSSIBLE AND MAY CONTINUE FOR DOZENS OF HOURS AFTER THE START OF THE TSUNAMI.




STRUCTURES AND MAY CONTINUE FOR DOZENS OF HOURS AFTER THE START OF THE TSUNAMI.

IMPACTS FOR TSUNAMI WARNING AREAS --------------------------------- * A TSUNAMI WITH SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD INUNDATION OF LAND IS OCURRING. * WIDESPREAD DANGEROUS COASTAL FLOODING ACCOMPANIED BY POWERFUL

CURRENTS IS OCURRING AND MAY CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST 12 TO 48 HOURS. IMPACTS FOR TSUNAMI ADVISORY AREAS ---------------------------------- * A TSUNAMI CAPABLE OF PRODUCING STRONG CURRENTS OR WAVES DANGEROUS TO

PERSONS IN OR VERY NEAR THE WATER IS OCURRING. * SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD INUNDATION OF LAND IS NOT EXPECTED FOR AREAS


STRUCTURES AND MAY CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST 12 TO 48 HOURS.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS ------------------- * IF YOU ARE IN A WARNING AREA - MOVE INLAND TO HIGHER GROUND. * IF YOU ARE IN AN ADVISORY AREA - MOVE OFF THE BEACH AND OUT OF

HARBORS AND MARINAS. * BE ALERT TO INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS. * DO NOT GO TO THE COAST TO WATCH THE TSUNAMI. * DO NOT RETURN TO THE COAST UNTIL LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS INDICATE

IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

Three phases to an event:

Has not impacted any areas

“EXPECTEDEXPECTED”

Has impacted some areas but not others

“IMMINENT OR OCCURING” IMMINENT OR OCCURING”

Has impacted all areas“OCCURING”

Easily UnderstoodEasily Understood

Ease of understanding supports decision-makingEase of understanding supports decision-making

Propose a Propose a single easy-to-understand warning productsingle easy-to-understand warning product• Eliminate “Public” product; one “human” warning product Eliminate “Public” product; one “human” warning product

which is clear and understandable for all userswhich is clear and understandable for all users


Eliminate unnecessary wording and “disclaimers”Eliminate unnecessary wording and “disclaimers”

Use plain languageUse plain language

Better emphasize key words and phrasesBetter emphasize key words and phrases

Make it personal: “If Make it personal: “If youyou are in a warning area…”, not are in a warning area…”, not ““PersonsPersons in warning areas…” in warning areas…”


PERSONS IN LOW-LYING COASTAL AREAS SHOULD BE ALERT TO INSTRUCTIONS FROM THEIR LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS. EVACUATIONS ARE ONLY ORDERED BY EMERGENCY RESPONSE AGENCIES. - PERSONS IN TSUNAMI WARNING COASTAL AREAS SHOULD MOVE INLAND TO HIGHER GROUND.

Current:

Proposed:

IF YOU ARE IN A TSUNAMI WARNING COASTAL AREA... MOVE INLAND TO HIGHER GROUND.


ESTIMATED TIMES OF INITIAL WAVE ARRIVAL

FORECAST START OF TSUNAMI

Current:

Proposed:


English-only units of measurement for domestic English-only units of measurement for domestic locations.locations.

Realistic precisionRealistic precision

Self-explanatory table headingsSelf-explanatory table headings


FORECAST FORECAST MAX START OF TSUNAMI HEIGHT SITE OF TSUNAMI AND TIMING ------ ------------- -------------- **ALASKA** ADAK DUTCH HARBOR SAND PT. COLD BAY KODIAK

Improved Clarity + Realistic PrecisionImproved Clarity + Realistic PrecisionAdd Tide Levels and Updated ObservationsAdd Tide Levels and Updated Observations

FORECAST FORECAST MAX FORECAST MAX MAX WATER START OF TSUNAMI HEIGHT WATER LEVEL LEVEL SITE OF TSUNAMI AND TIMING (TSUNAMI+TIDES) SO FAR ------ ------------- -------------- ------------- ------ **ALASKA** ADAK 0110 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT DUTCH HARBOR 0220 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT SAND PT. 0257 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT COLD BAY 0329 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT KODIAK 0351 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT SEWARD 0416 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT ELFIN COVE 0418 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT YAKUTAT 0425 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT VALDEZ 0435 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT CORDOVA 0445 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT HOMER 0508 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT CRAIG 0526 AKST 03/11 03.4FT @0930 03.4FT +/- 1FT

Users want to know:1.How high will the water really get?2.How high so far?

“how high’s the water mama?” Johnny Cash

Summary

Human product / Computer Product Readability with indents, bullets, blank lines, etc. Consistency in sections and order of sections Consistency in presentation of geographic info Flag updated information One, non-segmented human product Remove static information where possible Plain, strong, and personalized language

Thank you!Thank you!

Discussion point

Make the TSU the “human product” and create a new TSV for the computer product.

or

Convert the existing TSU into the computer product and convert the existing public product into the human product.

Documents

Tsunami Products Improvement Team Briefing (February 7, 2012)