EARTHQUAKE & GEOHAZARD RESPONSE COORDINATION

The Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) is a partnership of the federal government and the eight states most affected by earthquakes in the central United States. Those states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. CUSEC’s primary mission is, “… the reduction of deaths, injuries, property damage and economic losses resulting from earthquakes in the Central United States.". CUSEC serves as a “coordinating hub” for the region, performing the critical role of coordinating the multi-state efforts of the central region. Its coordinating role is largely facilitative and not as the primary implementer of emergency management functions which is the responsibility of each individual state.

One of the primary focus areas for CUSEC over the past five to seven years has been the coordination of emergency management and geological survey groups. It is understood that after an earthquake or other geo-hazard event that state emergency managers will have a need for situational awareness, understanding of potential hazards such as aftershocks, liquefaction, etc. CUSEC has worked to improve and increase emergency management an geological survey "integration" in the region to address these and similar issues.

This session will address these areas of integration, and areas for continued improvement.