Comparison of school preparation for a major earthquake along the New Madrid Fault region.

摘要

The purpose of the study was to compare earthquake preparedness levels of the school systems within a 75-mile radius of the New Madrid Fault. The school districts surveyed were located in the states of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee.; The study concentrated on the impact Dr. Iben Browning had on preparedness levels within these school systems following his prediction of an impending earthquake scheduled for December 2 or 3, 1990. Preparedness levels since the December date were also evaluated as to the school systems continued readiness for an earthquake.; Part of the study focused on cost factors in preparedness, monies lost by school systems during December, 1990, local and state agencies that aided school systems in their preparations, school buildings that have been designated as mass-care shelters following disasters, and staff members of those buildings who have been inserviced for managing such shelters.; Finally, an attempt was made to profile the types of school buildings within 75 miles of the New Madrid Fault according to size, weight, shape, age, flexibility, conditions, location, and ornamentation. The profile was performed as a public service for the Central United States Earthquake Consortium in Memphis, Tennessee.; Data were collected from questionnaires that were mailed to superintendents in each of the 136 school systems that are located within 75 miles of the New Madrid Fault. The data were analyzed by using the number and percentages of the return.; The results were that preparedness measures did decrease significantly after the predicted date passed uneventfully. Most of the respondent school districts spend few dollars toward maintaining preparedness, and less than one-third of the respondent school systems had any type of earthquake plan in existence prior to Dr. Iben Browning's predictions; but following Browning, all respondent systems either developed or improved existing plans. Preparedness levels have decreased after December 3, 1990 passed uneventfully.; Results concerning estimated cost factors vary according to states, as well as monies lost to states during the impending disaster time frame. Agencies utilized mostly in school system preparation included PTA/PTO groups, emergency services agencies, hospitals, and other service organizations. Of the school systems designated as mass-care shelters following disasters, staff inservice for managing such shelters varies greatly.