BILL NUMBER: SCR 40	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Corbett

                        APRIL 15, 2011

   Relative to emergency services.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 40, as introduced, Corbett. Emergency services: earthquake
preparedness.
   This measure would declare the month of April as California
Earthquake Preparedness Month.
   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.