Conference Objective
The objective of the conference is to learn about fine-tuned efforts from those who have effectively reduced earthquake risk. Successful efforts can be seen in laws, local ordinances, bridges, banks, libraries, fire stations, schools, and homes in western communities. By understanding clearly how these successes were completed, it will allow conference attendees to better affect risk reduction in their areas of responsibility.

Earthquake hazards and risk are properly characterized by using scientific information that can tell us about the future, in addition to information that human history tells us about the recent past. Dealing with earthquake hazard and risk is especially challenging in this country due to the wide range of hazard, the wide range of communication options, and the broad spread of costs for actions intended to reduce risk.

Earthquake loss reduction requires more than just general information about the hazards, general communication, and general understanding of costs. It requires a quantified understanding of the hazards and the risk, selection of the appropriate mitigation action, and effective communication with the right audience.