New Real-Time Tsunami Warning Service Launched on Pacific Coast

Oregon and RAINS (Regional Alliances for Infrastructure and Network Security) are launching a locally-targeted emergency alerting service featuring real-time tsunami warnings with evacuation routes.

"We are proud of this important enhancement that will ensure that our families and communities along the Oregon Coast remain safe in the event of a tsunami," said Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski. "By deploying RAINS' state-of-the-art technology, we can expand and accelerate the delivery of tsunami warnings to the coastal communities of Clatsop and Tillamook counties, which will also expedite the implementation of evacuation plans when necessary."

RAINS' Connect & Protect service captures NOAA/National Weather Service's tsunami warnings when issued, and immediately sends localized alerts via computers, pagers and cell phones, to local citizens responsible for public safety -- thus dramatically increasing the speed and reach of the warnings within a community.

Initial installations are in Oregon's Clatsop and Tillamook Counties and a pilot program is being launched in El Segundo, Calif. This service provides official warnings with associated response information directly to communities and citizens at risk of a tsunami and can be readily deployed in other communities at risk for Pacific tsunamis. In addition, this service will soon provide weather warnings, watches and advisories.

The Connect & Protect tsunami warning system is the nation's first state-sanctioned, community-sponsored targeted alert system for tsunami warning and response -- and a direct result of the unique state-sponsored RAINS private/public alliance at work. The effort grew out of the successful use of a DHS grant to Oregon's Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

The alerts are distributed directly from NOAA through the Connect & Protect network without human intervention to a community-based network of public safety stakeholders. The service targets recipients based on specific geographic location, and severity of incident -- ensuring the right information is delivered to the right individual at the right time.