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Fast Fact:
Did you know that for a $1 invested in pre-disaster mitigation a business can expect a savings of $4 in losses that otherwise can occur.
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Home About QuakeSmart
About QuakeSmart

Issue:
A community cannot fully recover from an earthquake or other disaster until its businesses are back up and operating; frequently it is local businesses which are the least prepared to resume commercial activity. 

Objective:
Provide earthquake mitigation awareness to businesses in four selected communities; encourage them to add business mitigation as an economic priority and develop a mechanism to maintain on-going, annual business mitigation awareness.

Action:
In early 2008, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mitigation Directorate created a multi-faceted information program called QuakeSmart. QuakeSmart disseminates earthquake mitigation information and educational materials to businesses in communities where damaging earthquakes are most likely to occur.

The program’s mission is to encourage at-risk businesses to become “QuakeSmart” and maintain on-going earthquake hazard mitigation efforts throughout the year. Ultimately, the goal of QuakeSmart is to disseminate mitigation messaging to all citizens affected by earthquakes.

In 2009, QuakeSmart will hold two events: one in Memphis, Tennessee and one in Los Angeles, California. The Memphis event will be an invitation-only executive round table meeting. Approximately 20-30 key corporate executives will engage in hands-on retrofitting demonstrations, in-depth discussion on mitigation tactics, and discussions of “next steps” for businesses interested in becoming “QuakeSmart” or sponsoring QuakeSmart public education efforts.

For the Los Angeles event, an earthquake hazard mitigation forum is currently being planned for November 2009, and will target the business community in Southern California, following the 2nd annual Great ShakeOut earthquake readiness program.

Take Away:
Community businesses will leave the QuakeSmart forums understanding the positive economic significance that can result from earthquake mitigation for businesses. Attendees will acquire specific mitigation knowledge and become aware of additional resources available to them.