Pre-Disaster Planning at Florida Community Colleges: A Comparison of FEMA Guidelines to Processes and Practices

Notes: [Presented via Powerpoint] – Edmund Merem gave self introduction and posed the question … Why study this – Pacific Northwest is along the " Ring of Fire " – Research objectives background and issues Plan evaluation criteria Methodology ... Objectives of the research – analyze current issues in tsunami hazard management planning assess risks posed in the Pacific Northwest … half of America's population travels to these areas – in addition to residents To evaluate local plans Identify mitigation measures Design a decision support tool for policy makers Background information issues – (see powerpoint) limitations of local planning – trying to actualize face challenges of funding and awareness questions of why? – importance of threat Indian Ocean before/after – 2004 Tsunami loss of life could have been avoided had global alert systems been synchonized Earthquake causes tsunami – Table of largest earthquakes in the U.S. History Summary of Plan Evaluation Criteria – Factual basis – based on facts, public education and compliance Goals and Objectives – clear; shaped by local realities Policies, tools and strategies – i.e., zoning, mapping of utilities, hazardous waste sites, critical infrastructure, vulnerable populations etc... Intergovernmental coordination – very important, know which relationships interlock, not just political leadership (though knowing the leadership struggles can address problems in advance) Plan implementation – breakdown of specific tasks to actualize plans of action Study area and justifications – 460 cities from Alaska to California – major populations (include Hawaii) potential disruptiveness on the economy and life, broke down by populations Relative Tsunami risk (Gulf Coast low) … Cascadia Subduction Zone Computer simulation of aftermath – Pacific Ocean into the Columbia River (like storm surge) … examples of impacts – 1964 Alaska earthquake; … Generic Plan Assessment – Factual basis Goals and Objectives – an example of Portland, Oregon; example of Hilo, Hawaii Intergovernmental collaboration examples – challenge of moving beyond localities – a major weakness … Only Oregon and California have truly begun widespread education and mitigation measures – but both still long way to go … Recommendations – key one: promote a regional approach Questions of Edmund – Unidentifed male /citing the example of Indian Ocean photo – was this permanent damage? Edmund Merem =yes … Carrie Beth – the plans that incorporated tsunamis – did they address bay impacts? [Presentation with PowerPoint] Intro – his dissertation research (successfully defended) … Background event – March 2000 Homeland …