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FEMA Building Science Branch Releases 2013 Report
April 2014 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released their Building Science Branch: Fiscal Year 2013 in Review report. The Building Science Branch, which resides in the Risk Reduction
Division of FEMA's Federal Insurance Mitigation Administration (FIMA), is
staffed by highly skilled national experts on building codes, proper
construction techniques, and rebuilding strategies. The Branch has the lead
role in the development, production, and promotion of more than 250 resources
that incorporate the most up-to-date building codes, seismic design guidelines,
floodproofing, wind design, and other natural and man-made hazards requirements
for new construction and the repair of existing buildings. These resources
include publications, guidance, tools, training courses, outreach materials,
technical bulletins, and recovery advisories.
The Building Science Branch and its partners, including CUSEC, help implement,
support, and promote earthquake risk reduction through the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). To view or download the full report, visit the FEMA Library
website: http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/92970.
To view or download FEMA
NEHRP publications and products, visit the Earthquake Publications website: http://www.fema.gov/earthquake-publications.
USGS Announces 2015 Earthquake Research Grant Program
March 2014 - The US Geological Survey recently announced they will award up to $5 million in grants for earthquake hazards research in 2015. “The grants offered through the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program are an established and long-standing effort that have proven to be a success every year, with talented, scientific applicants who significantly contribute to the advancement of earthquake research,” said Bill Leith, USGS Senior Science Advisor for Earthquake and Geologic Hazards. “Every year we are rewarded by innovative proposals from across the country, so we encourage the continued submission of new ideas to help earthquake science evolve and, ultimately, reduce earthquake losses.”
Each year the USGS awards earthquake hazards research grants to universities, state geological surveys, and private institutions. Past projects included investigating the Central Virginia Seismic Zone to develop a better understanding of this active seismic zone; examining the paleoseismic record in the Prince William Sound area of Alaska to characterize earthquakes prior to the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 to better understand future earthquakes in this hazard-prone area; and using GPS to measure ground deformation in the greater Las Vegas area and provide information on how faults will rupture in large, damaging earthquakes.
Interested researchers can apply online at GRANTS.GOV under funding opportunity number G14AS00036. Applications are due May 22, 2014.
February is Earthquake Awareness Month
February 2014 - Each February, several States in the Central U.S., including Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee, regularly observe "Earthquake Awareness Month". For more than 20 years, Earthquake Awareness Month has provided an opportunity to increase public knowledge of earthquake hazards and earthquake preparedness measures. Activities during the month typically include earthquake themed exhibits, public service announcements, specialized training, public workshops and presentations, social media outreach, and more.
Also, CUSEC recently partnered with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, Missouri to produce a short video on earthquake preparedness for K-3 students. The video is based on an adaptation of the children's classic story "The Three Little Pigs" and was created by the Museum as a way to teach children about the possibility of earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone and ways to prepare for those earthquakes. The skit was filmed in mid-2013 and is intended to be used as a teaching tool during the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut and Earthquake Awareness Month. To watch the video, go to http://youtu.be/SEsfVr-7Ia8
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