Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 40
CHAPTER 27
Relative to emergency services.
[
Approved by
Governor
June 06, 2011.
Filed with
Secretary of State
June 06, 2011.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 40, Corbett.
Emergency services: earthquake preparedness.
This measure would declare the month of April as California Earthquake Preparedness Month.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that of the nation’s $4,400,000,000 average annual capital losses due to earthquakes, three-fourths of those losses occur in California; and
WHEREAS, Major earthquakes registering magnitudes between 6.3 and 8.3 have occurred in California every 5.4 years, on average, for the past 200 years; and
WHEREAS, These earthquakes have resulted in loss of life, significant property damage, and indirect costs; and
WHEREAS, The United States Geological Survey estimates that there is a 62 percent chance that a major earthquake will strike an urban area in California within the next 30 years; and
WHEREAS, The majority of Californians live within 20 miles of a major earthquake fault; and
WHEREAS, Mitigating measures can save lives, reduce property damage, and alleviate traffic and economic dislocation caused by earthquakes; and
WHEREAS, The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that for every dollar spent on earthquake mitigation, $2 to $6 are saved if an earthquake occurs; and
WHEREAS, Education about the danger of earthquakes in California and the value of mitigation is the key to taking action at the city, county, and state levels of government; and
WHEREAS, It is important for these levels of government to work cooperatively with citizens, each other, the federal government, and other nations to mitigate damage caused by earthquakes; and
WHEREAS, It is important for utilities and private businesses to understand the impacts of an earthquake and be properly prepared and informed of potential risks; and
WHEREAS, We have seen the destruction that could be caused by a tsunami that follows a large earthquake; and
WHEREAS, It is vital that we examine the lessons learned from recent earthquake in Baja, as well as in the nations of Japan and Chile, and that we share our knowledge with other states and nations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby declares the month of April as California Earthquake Preparedness Month, and urges all Californians and government agencies to engage in education, evaluation of seismic hazards, mitigation, safety activities, and the exchange of information related to earthquake preparedness with other states and nations during the month; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.