Minimizing the Effects of Future Natural Hazards
The USGS conducts evaluations following disasters to help minimize the impacts of future events and to help communities prepare better hazard assessments for vulnerable regions. Evaluation data are essential for developing hazard-resistant structures, better land use planning and building codes, and emergency response plans.
The USGS protects people from natural hazards by providing up-to-the-minute (real-time) disaster information to help people get out of harm's way. Longer term monitoring and research on natural hazards help people stay out of harm's way.
For example, in 1998, the USGS released interactive maps of the entire nation showing local ground movements that are expected to occur in future earthquakes. This mapping system represents the result of more than 30 years of seismic data collection and research.
The new maps will be used by local officials, planners, and designers to develop and refine new building codes; design safer highways, bridges, buildings, and utilities; estimate the stability and landslide potential of hillsides; derive insurance rates for properties; set construction standards to help ensure the safety of waste-disposal facilities; and plan earthquake mitigation practices and emergency response procedures.
http://geohazards.cr.usgs.gov/eq/html/intermaps.shtml
Control de inundaciones en español:
http://www.geocities.com/gsilvam/inundacion.htm
