Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
BOX 3.3
Developing and Evaluating Tsunami Public Education: An Example from Seaside, Oregon
(A)
(B)
Small-group discussions with (a) Seaside Tsunami Outreach Coordinator (in black) and middle-school
students and (b) adults at a public workshop on tsunami preparedness in Seaside, Oregon. SOURCE:
Connor, 2005; image courtesy of DOGAMI.
Educating at-risk populations on how to prepare for future tsunamis and to react properly dur-
ing an event is challenging for local oficials because of the dynamic mix of residents, employees, and
tourists in tsunami hazard zones. In addition, it is dificult to assess whether awareness campaigns and
educational efforts have any effect on changing the tsunami knowledge and preparedness of at-risk
populations.
To address these challenges, the City of Seaside, Oregon, partnered with the Oregon Depart-
ment of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) on
ield tsunami sources, in order to discover whether at-risk individuals are able to recognize
natural cues of tsunamis and to take self-protective actions. Consistent, evidence-based
approaches from the social and behavioral sciences should be used in the various study
areas to allow the NTHMP to compare communities and prioritize future education efforts
and resources.
Increasing the Effectiveness of Public Education of Tsunamis
Although tasked to review the availability and adequacy of tsunami education and out-
reach for children, adults, and tourists, the committee discovered it could not fully comment on
