许多有关海啸预警系统的讨论把焦点放于政府规划项目上，但是预警系统不仅仅意味着海洋传感器和卫星，它还包括避开灾难高发地区建造房屋以及刺激私营企业开发有效的安全和撤离程序。
Discussion of early warning systems for tsunamis has focused on government programs. But early warning means more than ocean sensors and satellites; it also implies directing construction away from disaster-prone areas and prodding private businesses to develop effective safety and evacuation procedures.