Fast-forward to 2017 and we have this looming earthquake and seismic safety threat — but, no deadline. Here in Washington state the generally accepted risk factor is an annual 5 percent chance of an earthquake happening in any one calendar year.
Then there is this story, Only one earthquake bill passed this year — and it made school drills optional. One legislative bill passes and it doesn't promote seismic safety, but lessens the amount of preparation required by schools. Some of these schools are in unreinforced masonry buildings (URM).
There will be much hand-wringing and finger pointing after the next big earthquake. Today the impacts of an earthquake are very predictable — we just lack any motivation to address them, as legislators, government elected officials, business leaders. We are too busy arguing with our counterparts about this funding bill or that one, or in the private sector, making money, quarterly profits and a return on investment for our stockholders.
Where does public and individual safety fit into our priorities? Duh, lower, lots lower, maybe on the bottom.
I've used this phrase before, "If it was illegal to have done any seismic preparation and allocation of resources toward seismic safety, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"