Earthquake Science - A Sure Bet for a Safer Nation

5/4/2006, Earthquakes are one of the most costly natural hazards facing the nation, posing risk to 75 million people in 39 states. In an effort to save lives and property, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its partners are building the Advanced National Seismic System to deliver rapid, robust earthquake information to all U.S. cities with significant seismic risk.

"Over the last hundred years, we´ve made amazing technological advances to prevent damage from earthquakes" said U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee´s Disaster Prevention and Prediction Subcommittee. "Yet, despite our best efforts, major shaking in an urban area would cause significant destruction"

Come hear how USGS and its partners are working together to meet the challenge of reducing America´s earthquake risk.

What: The USGS will host a congressional briefing about efforts to detect, monitor, and prepare for earthquakes nationwide.

Who:

* David Applegate, Earthquake Hazards Program, U.S. Geological Survey
* Lloyd Cluff, Geosciences Department, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
* Ellis Stanley, Emergency Preparedness Department, City of Los Angeles

Where: Room 2325 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC

When: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., Friday, May 12, 2006

Sponsors:

* U.S. Senator Jim DeMint
* U.S. Representative Jane Harman
* U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren
* U.S. Representative James P. Moran

Host: National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Coalition

For more information, visit www.usgs.gov/solutions/.

The 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.

Contact Information

Beth Stettner

Office of Communication

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey

Contact via E-mail