California Lawmakers Urged To Appropriate Money For Earthquake Warning System, Seismic Upgrades
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) -- It might take another big earthquake to shake California lawmakers into investing more into seismic safety, and develop an early earthquake warning system.
KCBS Reporter Doug Sovern says that's what one expert after another told state lawmakers considering a package of seismic safety measures at a hearing on preparedness at the state Capitol Tuesday.
The lawmakers and experts told an Assembly budget subcommittee that California needs to appropriate money for an early warning system, and help people retrofit their homes.
"We're either going to pay for this on the front end, which will be the most cost effective thing to do, or we are all going to pay on the back end after the disaster," Oakland City Councilman Dan Kalb said.
Seismologist Lucy Jones with the U.S. Geological Survey says Californians who think earthquakes are largely a coastal threat, are kidding themselves.
"Even our safe areas are among the most risky of the country. So, you only look good in comparison to Los Angeles, but you actually have a pretty significant seismic problem anywhere in the state of California," Jones said.
Lawmakers want to pass a retrofit tax credit and give homeowners cash to brace and bolt their foundations.
Jones says California must also shore up its water systems, or they'll rupture in the next major quake, and it could take months to fix them.
"The loss of water can drive people out more quickly than the loss of buildings. If you haven't had a shower in a month, you're probably going to really think twice about staying where you are," Jones said.
Lawmakers are also considering appropriating money to install an early warning system for quakes, which has federal support but needs state funds to operate.
