The earthquake that affected parts of Mexico in September has many people talking about for the next natural disaster. Experts at the U.S Geological Survey agree that the Bay Area has a 98 percent chance of experiencing a major seismic event in the next 30 years. When it does hit, will Oakland and other cities be ready? At a recent 黑料传送门forum, panelists talked about the city鈥檚 current work addressing uncertainty and meeting the immediate and long-term challenges of a major earthquake.
Even after the immediate safety risks of an earthquake have passed, Oaklanders will face economic and functional losses to local businesses, housing and other community services. Drawing on SPUR鈥檚 2008 report on emergency response plans, the City of Oakland identified at-risk communities and areas needing attention and, in 2016, created the to outline goals for the city to respond to stresses. Part of the solution is to retrofit buildings to make structural changes that will reduce earthquake damage. Retrofits save lives, save money and greatly reduce the risk of displacement due to damage or repairs.
What Is Oakland Doing?
The city鈥檚 recovery will rely on limiting the displacement of residents from damaged buildings. Oakland is targeting older single-family homes and 鈥渟oft story鈥 buildings 鈥 those with large openings like garages or storefront windows on the ground floor 鈥 where a basic retrofit can greatly strengthen the building and help prevent di