The California Institute of Technology in Pasadena has launched a new center aimed at preparing Southern California communities for natural disasters. The Center for Disaster Resilience will be led by seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones and will bring together researchers and community leaders to focus on preparedness, response and recovery efforts for disasters in the region.
The center won’t focus solely on earthquakes but will also address other hazards that affect Southern California, including wildfires, severe storms, flooding and extreme heat. The center aims to reduce risks before an emergency occurs, rather than simply responding afterwards.
The center’s mission is to bridge the gap between science and policy. Scientific discoveries about natural disasters don’t always reach the officials responsible for disaster planning. “We developed structures to fund research and structures for societal decisions, but we didn’t connect them,” Jones said.
Researchers at the center will also work on problems identified by community members. The center’s first major project is ShakeOut Scenario 2.0, an update to the 2008 earthquake impact model that will incorporate newer research. Instead of just analyzing predicted damage to buildings, the updated scenario will also examine any potential impacts of secondary disasters such as mudslides, fires, chemical spills and economic and social disruptions.
The center is also forming the Alliance for Disaster Resilience to improve communication and connect researchers with government officials, healthcare providers, utilities, emergency responders and nonprofits. The alliance will hold Quarterly briefings and research workshops.
Through its partnerships and research, the center hopes to provide local leaders and communities with the information and resources needed to strengthen disaster preparedness, make informed decisions and reduce the impacts of future natural disasters.
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