Earthquakes

Citation

(2003), "Earthquakes", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 12 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2003.07312cae.003

Earthquakes

Connections: The EERI Oral History Series

Stanley Scott (interviewer) Clarence R. Allen2002119pp.$15.00

This is the 10th volume of EERI's oral history series to preserve the recollections of some of those who have pioneered earthquake engineering and seismic design. Clarence R. Allen, a geophysicist from Caltech, has been a major contributor to the art and science of earthquake engineering, earthquake prediction, and seismic safety. Based on four interviews recorded during 1995 and 1996, this volume explores the life, professional career, and policy contributions of this distinguished scientist.

Available from the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI), 499 14th Street, Suite 320, Oakland, CA 94612-1934, USA. Tel: (510) 451-0905; Fax: (510) 451-5411; E-mail: eeri@eeri.org: WWW: http://www.eeri.org/Publications/pub.html

Overcoming Obstacles to Implementing Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Policies: Stage 1 Report. Technical Report MCEER-01-0004

Daniel J. Alesch and William J. Petak2001106pp.$25.00

This report is the result of a project on overcoming obstacles to implementing earthquake hazard mitigation policies. It identifies fundamental concepts, followed by an overview of the implementation process. The results of an extensive literature review about decision-making that incorporates perspectives from political science, sociology, social psychology, organizational behaviour, and general systems theory is presented. Special emphasis is given to initiating mitigation measures to reduce the risk of earthquakes. Organizational requirements for implementation, networking, and barriers to execution are also discussed.

Copies are available from the Multi-Disciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research, Red Jacket Quadrangle, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14261, USA. Tel: (716) 645-3391; Fax: (716) 645-3399; E-mail: mceer@acsu.buffalo.edu

Effects of the Nisqually Earthquake on Small Businesses in Washington State

Jaqueline Meszaros and Mark Figener200247pp.Free

The 2001 Nisqually earthquake was a large magnitude quake that yielded relatively mild ground shaking. Yet, it was the costliest natural disaster in Washington state history. The most common disruptions from the quake were human, and they resulted in hard-to-estimate indirect costs to businesses. In this study, undertaken by the Economic Development Administration and Washington State, 60 percent of all small businesses reported that employees were distracted and unable to work for a period after the shaking stopped, and in some firms employees left work entirely. This report explores the impact of the earthquake on the region's small businesses, ranging from direct physical losses (such as building damage) to inventory damage and operational disruption. The report also considers the impact of insurance and damage levels to preparedness for future earthquakes.

Copies can be found on the University of Washington Web site: http://faculty.washington.edu/meszaros/nisquallysmallbusiness.pdf