Earthquake Lessons Learned

  1. Aggressive planning and training in schools was clearly evidenced by children knowing what to do when the shaking began.
  2. A significant number of adults did not protect themselves by properly carrying out the DROP COVER, AND HOLD procedure.
  3. Proactive mitigation planning and implementation paid off.
  4. Establishing and enforcing seismic building codes reduced structural damage.
  5. Business disruption, for the most part, was due to insufficient reduction of nonstructural hazards in the work place.
  6. Incorrect public perception of building damage, and impassable street access, caused significant loss of revenue to local businesses.
  7. The creation of public and private partnerships to protect Washington state citizens increased public safety and reduced property damage.