Earthquakes occur without warning, there are no visible signs of an impending tremor. The extensive fault system in California puts all businesses, residents, and visitors at risk. The danger can be mitigated with preparation.
A large earthquake off the coast of Alaska could send a devastating tsunami towards California, causing the evacuation of nearly 1 million people and causing $10 billion in damage, a recent U.S. Geological Survey revealed.
USGS scientists met with state and local officials on Wednesday to discuss what might happen if a 9.1 earthquake — similar to the one that struck Japan in 2011 — occurred offshore of the Alaskan Peninsula. Researchers called the scenario “hypothetical, yet plausible,” warning officials to prepare for the worst.
The January 17, 1994 magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake beneath the San Fernando Valley resulted in the costliest earthquake in U.S. history. For the 10 million people who experienced this quake, it remains powerfully in our collective consciousness.
Fast forward twenty years to January 17, 2014 . The Northridge 20 Virtual Exhibit website presents teachable moments – to learn and reflect, to share and to act. Teeming with content, graphics and video recounting the events of January 1994, this exhibit seeks to empower and motivate us to make ourselves safer in future earthquakes.
The Earthquake Country Alliance unites leaders in government, disaster response, science, business, media, education and local communities to foster a culture of earthquake and tsunami readiness in California. Resources include:
Putting Down Roots: a 32-page handbook that is available online, to download, or as printed copies available for free.
Go behind the scenes at UC San Diego as a five story mockup of a hospital, including a surgical suite, is subjected to dramatic earthquakes in order to better understand how the many complex systems within hospital buildings perform after earthquakes. Teaming up with the California Seismic Safety Commission, this UCSD-TV documentary explores the history of seismic safety for California’s hospital infrastructure, and what is being done to secure its future.UC San Diego’s Englekirk Structural Engineering Center has provided this video preview of the largest, most complex seismic test ever conducted.
After a damaging earthquake, having the strength to recover will rely on those close to us for personal strength in the face of an overwhelming situation. Many Californians will turn to the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) to get the financial strength they’ll need to rebuild.
SCEC’s science goal is to understand the physics of the Southern California fault system and develop a model of key aspects of earthquake behavior. To do this, SCEC organizes interdisciplinary research spanning all aspects of earthquake system science, disciplinary activities such as data collection and analysis, and special projects in information technology, earthquake predictability, and other applied research.
Is your hospital at risk for earthquakes or tsunami? Earthquakes can occur everywhere in California. In addition to the shaking caused by earthquakes, landslides, surface fault ruptures and liquefaction can all occur. These effects can cause injury or property damage.
The mission of California Geological Society (CGS) is to provide scientific products and services about the state’s geology, seismology and mineral resources including their related hazards that affect the health, safety, and business interests of the people of California.
The United States Geological Society (USGS) serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.
The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) Facilities Development Division (FDD) reviews and inspects health facility construction projects. FDD enforces building standards, per the California Building Standards Code, as they relate to health facilities construction.
