reduce the potential for disastrous tsunami-related consequences.
Charles “Chip” Guard, warning coordination meteorologist at the Weather Forecast Office on Guam, said the program allows the NWS to determine if Rota and Tinian are ready to respond to disasters.
The Tsunami/Storm Ready program helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen their local operations, he said.
Mark S. Pangelinan, Emergency Management Office acting director, said once Tinian and Rota are included in the program, they will be mentioned on the StormReady/TsunamiReady Communities list of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Web site. “EMO supports their efforts and we will continue to work with the mayors of Tinian and Rota,” he said.
In 2005, Guam was included in the Tsunami/Storm Ready program while Saipan was accepted last year. By the end of this year, Guard said, Rota and Tinian may be included in the program.
He said the two islands “have small communities and they can immediately comply with the requirements.”
The federal grants to be provided to Rota and Tinian will allow them to install signs at their airports, on roadways and in strategic areas that are designated as tsunami evacuation shelters and gathering places.
