FEMA’s new web-based, independent study training course for citizens and businesses-- IS-325—Earthquake Basics-- Science, Risk, and Mitigation

As they indicate below, this appears to be a pretty basic course, but by clicking on one of the initial pages you can see much of the complete course outline and quickly skim it to see how much of it is applicable to your family or business.

This outline serves as a great reminder of all the steps we should be taking – and a reminder for us to complete those missing action items that we’d not completed (or refreshed) recently!

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce a new web-based, independent study training course, IS-325—Earthquake Basics: Science, Risk, and Mitigation.

This interactive, 30-minute course presents basic information on earthquake science, the risks posed by earthquakes, and the mitigation activities that individuals can take to prepare for earthquakes and increase their community’s earthquake resilience. The course also discusses the benefits of structural and non-structural earthquake mitigation. After completing the course, participants should be able to describe what causes earthquakes, differentiate between hazards and vulnerabilities, identify potential vulnerabilities in their homes and businesses, and take additional steps toward reducing their overall risk. Short quizzes are included to enhance interactivity and to boost retention.

Earthquake Basics is targeted to a wide range of audiences, including homeowners, business owners, the private sector, the federal, state, tribal, and local government workforce at all levels, first responders, non-profit organizations, volunteers, and community-based organizations. Earthquake Basics resides on the FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) website, IS-325—Earthquake Basics: Science, Risk, and Mitigation.

For information on other earthquake training courses and assistance, visit National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program.

To view or download NEHRP publications and products, or to sign up for updates on earthquake risk mitigation publications, news, and events, visit Earthquake Publications.

General Outline of Mitigation Steps

Mitigation: Identify Risk

• Assess -Do an assessment, or have a professional, such as a structural engineer or contractor, do an assessment, of the building to determine the potential problems.

Make a Plan

• Mitigation plan -Plan what measures you can take to address the risks you have identified.
• Earthquake Plan -Create a plan for during and after the earthquake.

Take action

• Mitigate -Address, or have a professional address, the issues or prepare to deal with the consequences.
• Post-earthquake evaluation -Evaluate, or have a professional evaluate, the building and its contents.
• Repair -If necessary, repair damaged elements. Rebuild stronger, so you won't have to rebuild again!