0419 Supporting Statement for SR_TR_042518_sorn added

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

STORMREADY^{® ,} TSUMANIREADY^®, TSUNAMIREADY^® SUPPORTER, AND STORMREADY^® SUPPORTER APPLICATION FORMS

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0419

A. JUSTIFICATION

This request is for extension of a currently approved information collection.

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.

This information collection supports Public Law 115-25, the Tsunami Warning Education, and Research Act (U.S.C. 33 Chapter 45) specifically Section 3204, which describes the development of a “community-based tsunami hazard mitigation program to improve tsunami preparedness of at-risk areas in the United States and its territories.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) established the StormReady program in 1999 and the TsunamiReady program in 2002 to help counties, cities and towns implement procedures to reduce the potential for weather-related and tsunami hazards. By participating in this program, local agencies earn recognition for their jurisdiction by meeting guidelines established by the NWS in partnership with federal, state, and local emergency management professionals. Information and details on the StormReady and TsunamiReady programs are located at https://www.weather.gov/stormready/ and https://www.weather.gov/tsunamiready/.

Many businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations and other non-governmental entities establish severe weather safety plans and actively promote severe weather safety awareness activities. The NWS established the StormReady and TsunamiReady Supporter programs to recognize those entities do not have the resources necessary to fulfill all the full StormReady or TsunamiReady eligibility but actively promote the principles of the programs.

2. Explain how, by whom, how frequently, and for what purpose the information will be used. If the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support information that will be disseminated to the public, then explain how the collection complies with applicable NOAA Information Quality Guidelines.

StormReady/TsunamiReady are voluntary programs that provide guidance and incentive to officials interested in improving their hazardous weather operations. Jurisdictions use the application to apply for initial StormReady/ TsunamiReady recognition. Full StormReady/ TsunamiReady renewals occur every six years, at which time communities complete the application form again. The government will use the information collected by the StormReady/TsunamiReady application to determine whether a community has met all of the guidelines to receive StormReady/TsunamiReady recognition.

Recognition as StormReady/TsunamiReady entitles a community to the following benefits:

1) one StormReady/TsunamiReady identification sign; 2) authorization to use the StormReady/ TsunamiReady logos; 3) instructions for acquiring additional identification signs; 4) information concerning the notification of the National Flood Insurance Program for possible adjustment to insurance rates; and 5) inclusion on the national StormReady/TsunamiReady Website and map.

Each question asked on the application helps to determine if the applying jurisdiction meets the guidelines required to become StormReady or TsunamiReady. Specifically:

StormReady

Guideline 1: Community Information. Requests the primary and secondary points of contact for the jurisdiction and identifies the location of the 24-hour warning point and Emergency Operations Center. NWS must have this information to verify the person and place responsible for the information.

Guideline 2: NWS Information Reception Equipment. This information identifies the number, type and location of redundant reception equipment a jurisdiction has in place to receive critical NWS weather information.

Guideline 3: Local Weather & Water Monitoring Equipment. Verifies the number, type and location of redundant weather and monitoring equipment used by the jurisdiction.

Guideline 4: Local Warning Dissemination. Identifies the type, number and location of redundant warning systems used by the jurisdiction to disseminate weather information to the public.

Guideline 5: Community Preparedness. Details specific community education and preparedness activities in terms of hazardous weather.

Guideline 6: Administrative/Record Keeping. Provides details /dates on how the jurisdiction and the NWS administer the program and keep information updated.

StormReady Supporter is a voluntary program offered to provide guidance and incentive to entities that strive to improve their respective hazardous weather operations. Entities will use the application to apply for a one-time StormReady Supporter recognition. The government will use the information collected by the StormReady Supporter application to determine whether an entity has met the necessary guidelines to receive StormReady Supporter recognition.

Recognition as StormReady Supporter participant entitles an entity to the following benefits:

1) a StormReady Supporter certificate; 2) authorization to use the StormReady logo; 3) instructions for acquiring identification signs; and 4) inclusion on the StormReady Supporter Website at http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/supporter.htm .

StormReady Supporter guidelines are less extensive and detailed than the full StormReady recognition. Unlike the full StormReady recognition, StormReady Supporter guidelines are not based on the size of the population and not subject to renewal every three years. The guidelines on the application help to determine if the applying entity meets the requirements necessary to become a StormReady Supporter.

TsunamiReady

Community Information. Requests the primary and secondary points of contact for the jurisdiction and identifies the location of the 24-hour warning point and Emergency Operations Center (EOC). NWS must have this information to verify the person and place responsible for the information.

Mitigation Guidelines: requests information on mapped tsunami hazard zones for emergency management planning; how tsunami hazard and community vulnerability information in FEMA-approved multi-hazard mitigation plan are indicated; and information about signage that identifies tsunami danger area and/or hazard zone (entering and leaving tsunami zone signs), evacuation routes, and assembly areas.

Preparedness Guidelines: requests information about tsunami evacuation maps; ongoing tsunami public education efforts including in public schools; community-wide outreach or education activities; and community exercises and drills that reinforce these concepts.

Response Guidelines: ensures that tsunami hazards are addressed in the community’s emergency operations plan (EOP) including for public schools; and supports the EOC during tsunami incidents if an EOC is opened and activated.

TsunamiReady Supporter is a voluntary program offered to provide guidance and incentive to entities that strive to improve their respective tsunami preparedness activities. Entities will use the application to apply for a one-time TsunamiReady Supporter recognition. The government will use the information collected by the TsunamiReady Supporter application to determine whether an entity has met the necessary guidelines to receive TsunamiReady Supporter recognition.

Recognition as TsunamiReady Supporter participant entitles an entity to the following benefits:

1) a TsunamiReady Supporter certificate; 2) authorization to use the TsunamiReady logo; 3) instructions for acquiring identification signs; and 4) inclusion on the TsunamiReady Supporter Website at https://www.weather.gov/tsunamiready/supporters

TsunamiReady Supporter guidelines are less extensive and detailed than the full TsunamiReady recognition. Unlike the full TsunamiReady recognition, TsunamiReady Supporter guidelines are not subject to renewal every three years. The guidelines on the application help to determine if the applying entity meets the requirements necessary to become a TsunamiReady Supporter.

None of the information on the application is distributed to the public. The only information made public is the name of the recognized community and the date of its recognition. The information is disseminated to the public via the Internet and complies with applicable NOAA Information Quality Guidelines:

Utility. Each newly recognized site is added to a graphical map of the U.S. located on the StormReady Web site (www.stormready.noaa.gov). Posting the information on the Web site provides the communities with public recognition of their status and enables the public to see what communities are recognized as AStormReady/TsunamiReady@. It also keeps an accurate, up-to-date count of the number of recognized communities.

Integrity. The procedures for recognizing a community as StormReady/TsunamiReady adhere to OMB Circular A-130. The Website is updated as each new community is recognized. The Webmaster is the only person authorized to make any changes to the site. Procedures for getting the communities recognized and posted on the Website are outlined in NWS Directives.

Objectivity. The recognitions are verified by the NWS field official who provides the name of the jurisdiction and date of recognition to the program manager and the Webmaster.

NOAA NWS will retain control over the information and safeguard it from improper access, modification, and destruction, consistent with NOAA standards for confidentiality, privacy, and electronic information. The information collection is designed to yield data that meet all applicable information quality guidelines.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of information technology.

The StormReady, TsunamiReady, StormReady Supporter and TsunamiReady Supporter application forms are available in Word and fillable PDF format via the Internet at https://www.weather.gov/stormready/become or https://www.weather.gov/tsunamiready/become. Applicants will submit the forms either electronically or via paper copy to the responsible warning coordination meteorologist.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.

StormReady and TsunamiReady are unique federal programs. There are no other known programs that collect the information requested on the applications.

5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize burden.

Application for StormReady, TsunamiReady, StormReady Supporter and TsunamiReady Supporter recognition is voluntary and collection will not have a significant impact on small entities. Since the information required is minimal and can be found in a community emergency manager’s customary and usual records, no impact on small governments is expected.

6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently.

The program is designed to help as many communities prepare for hazardous weather situations as possible. If the NWS could not collect the information requested on the application form, it would be forced to withhold applications from communities seeking to be recognized and deny them the political and tangible benefits of StormReady/TsunamiReady recognition and possible reduction in flood insurance rates.

7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.

None.

8. Provide information on the PRA Federal Register Notice that solicited public comments on the information collection prior to this submission. Summarize the public comments received in response to that notice and describe the actions taken by the agency in response to those comments. Describe the efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

A Federal Register Notice published on March 26, 2018 (83 FR 12944) solicited public comment on this request for extension. No comments were received.

Comments were solicited directly from several respondents. Two comments were received:

1. This new Tsunamiready form is easy to use and simpler than before. Thanks for arranging it to be along the phases of emergency management and our methods of conducting business.

Chuck Wallace, Deputy Director

Grays Harbor County, Washington

2. The new TsunamiReady application form is simple, straightforward, and helps us maintain good records of local contacts and tsunami preparedness information about our coastal communities.

Kevin Miller, Tsunami Program Manager

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

(the new form refers to revisions approved in a 2015 change request).

9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

No payments or gifts will be provided to applicants. Each StormReady Supporter entity receives two signs to identify it as a program participant.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

Data collected through this form are considered public information.

The information is covered under the Privacy Act System of Records Notice, COMMERCE/NOAA-11, Contact Information for Members of the Public Requesting or Providing Information Related to NOAA’s Mission.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.

The StormReady, TsunamiReady, StormReady Supporter, and TsunamiReady Supporter application forms do not contain any sensitive questions as described in the PRA guidance.

12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information.

In addition to the current annualized responses and burden for StormReady and TsunamiReady applications – 240 applications and 480 hours, there are an additional estimated 25 StormReady Supporter and 25 hours / 20 TsunamiReady Supporter and 20 hours, for a total of 285 responses and 525 hours per year.

Number of new and renewal StormReady, TsunamiReady applicants expected	240 per year
Frequency of response for each respondent	Once every three years
Total number of responses expected	720 over 3 years, annualized to 240
Average response time per respondent	2 hours
Total annual burden	480 hours
Number of respondents for StormReady Supporter Application	25
Number of respondents for TsunamiReady Supporter Application	20
Frequency of response for each respondent	One time, no renewal required
Average response time per respondent	1 hour
Total annual response time	45 hours
Total annual burden for all types of applicants/applications	525 hours

These estimates are based on the experience of numerous communities over the course of the program.

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to the respondents or record-keepers resulting from the collection (excluding the value of the burden hours in Question 12 above).

No start-up, capital, or operations related costs are expected from this collection. The form can be prepared without any special equipment and no monitoring or sampling activities are required. Information collected by the application form provides a description of existing capabilities and infrastructure. Record keeping of these items is considered a part of customary and usual business of a community’s emergency manager.

The only cost an applicant must bear is the price of postage, if they choose to use standard mail; however, approximately 95% of applicants submit electronically. Using an estimate of $2.00 for postage per application, and assuming that 5% of applicants (14 of 285) mail in the forms, this would equate to a total annual cost of $26.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.

The cost to the government of administering the StormReady program is limited to the hours that local Meteorologists-In-Charge (MIC) and Warning Coordination Meteorologists (WCM) spend at local Advisory Board Meetings and conducting site reviews of applicant communities. Local advisory board meetings typically last 2 hours. One MIC and one WCM attend. Site reviews take an average of 3 hours of a WCM’s time.

The total annual cost to the government is covered by the annual salaries of the government employees administering the program since the activities conducted in association with this program are considered to be a part of the regular duties of all Meteorologists-In-Charge and Warning Coordination Meteorologists. Using the assumptions in the table below, the dollar cost of administering the program is estimated to be $79,294.40.

Because StormReady Supporter applications are not reviewed by the local advisory boards or renewed, there are no additional costs for this aspect of the program.

Base hourly rate of an MIC	$49.68 (GS14-step 7)
Base hourly rate of a WCM	$42.04 (GS13-step 7)
Duration of local advisory board meeting	2 hours
Cost to government of local advisory board meeting: 2 hours x ($49.68 + $42.04)	$183.44
Duration of site visit	3 hours
Cost to government of site visit: 3 hours x ($42.04)	$126.12
Cost to government per application: ($183.44 + $126.12)	$309.56
Total annual cost to the government 240 x ($)	$74,294.40

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.

There is an adjustment to the number of TsunamiReady Support applications. The program had thought that more communities would take advantage of this opportunity, but the applicant numbers have not borne that out. Thus there are an estimated 20 fewer applications and 20 fewer hours than in 2015.

16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and publication.

The individual pieces of information collected are not published. The NWS maintains a Web page identifying the communities that are recognized as StormReady, TsunamiReady, StormReady Supporter or TsunamiReady Supporter.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons why display would be inappropriate.

The expiration date will be displayed on all application forms.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

No exceptions identified.

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

This collection does not employ statistical methods.