Fine-tuning preparedness plans in the face of natural disaster can determine the survival of human lives and the economy, U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint said Thursday.

DeMint, R-S.C., is the first chairman of the new Senate subcommittee on disaster prediction and prevention.

The subcommittee will have jurisdiction over the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, including its National Weather Service. NWS provides weather and climate forecasts and warnings for the nation.

The freshman senator toured NOAA research vessel Nancy Foster during his Charleston visit, learning about the ship's different projects and functions. He said the subcommittee will work with NOAA to help safeguard a growing number of coastal residents.

"We can't avoid a hurricane. But how you prepare for it and the type of warning systems that are available make a big difference in the loss of human life and the loss of economic assets," he said.

Despite natural disasters like hurricanes that are common to the local area, DeMint said the subcommittee formed after a tsunami ravaged Asian countries.

The death toll from December's tsunami in South Asia was estimated as high as 183,000, with an estimated 130,000 missing.

"It doesn't happen very often, and it's easy to get complacent, but our West Coast is susceptible to tsunamis," DeMint said.

Once the Commerce subcommittee is up and running, DeMint said he plans to hold public hearings to determine how well-prepared the nation is for natural disasters.

South Carolina endured a busy hurricane season in 2004, with several storms spinning too close for comfort, although none ravaged the state. Better prediction of a storm's path could avoid unnecessary evacuations in the future.

"Closing down like we did last year ... most of the South Carolina coastline, caused multiple millions of dollars in losses for hotels, restaurants and merchants," he said.

The subcommittee will also work on evacuation plans and the sturdiness of structures to endure storms.

Rear Adm. Richard Behn is responsible for all of NOAA's ships and aircraft. He said the new subcommittee will be beneficial for NOAA, by increasing communication and awareness.

The Nancy Foster last month worked in Winyah Bay near Georgetown, studying the rate at which sediment fills the shipping channel. Next month, the vessel will map areas where sand can be mined for beach renourishment projects along the Grand Strand and at Folly Beach.

EYE ON DISASTERS

U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint chairs the new Senate Commerce subcommittee on disaster prediction and prevention. The subcommittee will have jurisdiction over the National Weather Service, which provides weather and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States. DeMint wants better preparedness efforts to help save lives and the economy during times of natural disaster.