Presently, forecasting is based on known fault locations and the historical recurrence
rate of earthqua kes on these faults. These predictions are difficult, in part, because many
faults are not discovered until they cause the earth to move. A fault under Los Angeles,
only identified in 1999, is expected to cause losses of up to $250 billion and result in
between 3,000 and 18,000 fatal ities.
Mitigation
1. Understand the seismic risk for your area and plan accordingly.
2. Identify structural and nonstructural hazards to facilities, occupants,
equipment, and processes.
3. Ensure that automatic fire sprinkler systems are supported with
earthquake sway bracing (see National Fire Protection Association
[NFPA] Standard 13, Standard for the Installation