If You Lived In A Community With High Seismic Risks, What Precautions Would You Advocate The Community Or Government Take To Minimize The Damage That Might Result From An Earthquake? Consider The Location Of Utilities, Transportation Routes, Hospitals, Fire Stations, And Schools?

I live in an above average seismic risk area, and at one time lived on land above a known seismic fault. During the years I lived there off and on the floor of our home, would move and objects would rattle a little. Each time this happened it was to say the least, a little scary. Then things would settle down and the event would be forgotten, until the next occurence. This was just a part of our life. Our home was well built and well maintained.

The town had/has a preparedness plan and an emergency assistance system in place. We considered ourself and our neighbours, in a state of earthquake preparedness, knowing full well, if a large earthquake occurred and we survived, we would do what we had to do at that time.

We cannot prevent an earthquake because it is act of nature, we cannot stop it, anymore than we can stop a rainstorm. Therefore, we in our community will continue to do those things we can do. Homes built according to standard earthquake survival codes and codes will be updated as needed. Emergency tests and notifications procedures will continue to be updated. Public agencies will continue to plan and update plans for "lifeline chains" like water, road and highway upkeep and repair, electric power systems improved and the emergency call system tested, updated and advertised regularly. Damage cannot be totally prevented by common sense preparedness damage can in some cases be minimized unless the earthquake is a major event.

Survival classes, first aid classes for all ages will continue to be updated and improved. Insurance industry will continue to monitor the local seismic activities, to guarantee the availability of funds in fulfillment of their obligation, if or when an earthquake event occurs.

Local Housing and Development Directors will continue inspections of public buildings and issue orders for updating of facilities and the utilities of the facilities. New homes will no longer be built on the known earthquake fault line. Homes will no longer be built on the weakening shores of our local river. And floodwalls will continued to be maintained to prevent minimize damage from flood waters in the event of an earthquake.

Whether one lives in a high seismic area or a lower risk area where the potential for an earthquake exists then wisdom dictates preparedness and caution on an ongoing basis.

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