The Need for Mitigation Preparedness

DC LogoA recent article in the Daily Californian notes that the Bay Area is long overdue for earthquake along the Hayward fault. In a letter submitted to the editor, Grace Kang of PEER offered that the rest of the conversation she had with the reporter was not reflected in the article. Specifically, that “earthquake preparedness [in addition to emergency kits and duck-cover-hold-on] includes ‘before-the-event’ measures that we need to take that will result in faster recovery from debilitating earthquakes. Such measures include strengthening our older homes and older vulnerable concrete buildings; securing equipment, contents and furnishings in our homes, schools, and businesses; strengthening transportation and utility networks, and having an emergency plan.”

Planning for earthquakes and how we want to live after the initial shaking will enable communities to recover more quickly.