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Date Permissions Signed

2-4-2014

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Studies

First Advisor

Miles, Scott B.

Second Advisor

Abel, Troy D.

Third Advisor

Paci-Green, Rebekah

Abstract

Risks associated with earthquakes vary widely from state to state. California and the western United States are widely recognized as having the potential for significant damages and loss of life from earthquakes, however all states have some degree of seismic risk. Considering that public safety and the general welfare of citizens are paramount responsibilities of state government, some states have adopted policies designed to reduce risks from hazards such as earthquakes. California, Missouri and a few other states have embraced policy development as a key method to mitigate against earthquake hazards. Alaska, Washington and a number of other states with significant seismic risk have a much lower level of policy coverage. Through the compilation and consideration of hazard mitigation policies for 47 states, this study examines the role of earthquake related policy development and implementation relative to individual states' seismic risk. The results of this analysis indicate that a number of states have below optimal policy coverage which suggests that factors other than seismic risk likely influence policy development.

Type

Text

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25710/vp3t-vp43

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

870902185

Subject – LCSH

Earthquakes--United States--States--Planning; Earthquakes--Government policy--United States--States; Earthquake hazard analysis--Government policy--United States--States; Emergency management--Government policy--United States--States

Geographic Coverage

United States (States)

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

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