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 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 […]

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, […]

With support from the USGS, a delegation of eight individuals (representing geologic, engineering, and emergency management disciplines) visited Tennessee from New Zealand on an international, information sharing mission this October.  As part of their visit, the group met with local and regional officials to share lessons learned since the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and aftershocks.  Those […]