Definition of Clearinghouse (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

1. The California Post-Earthquake Information ClearinghouseRalph LoydStatewide Coordinator : Clearinghouse Management GroupSenior Engineering GeologistSeismic Hazard Mapping Program, LiquefactionCalifornia Geological Survey Statewide Emergency Planning CommitteeJune 16, 2009 Original presentation created by Steve Walter, USGS

2. Definition of Clearinghouse(Merriam-Webster Dictionary) • A central agency for the collection, classification, and distribution of information

3. Our Definition of a Post-Earthquake Clearinghouse • A central agency for the collection, classification, and distribution of information pertaining to a specific earthquake • The Clearinghouse is set up following a damaging earthquake to coordinate the collection and classification of the geological aspects and engineering effects of an earthquake and to serve emergency managers by providing information on immediately or potentially hazardous ground failure and post-earthquake conditions of structures (part of the SEMS/NIMS intellegence gathering operations).

4. Origin of the Post-EQ Clearinghouse • 1st formal Clearinghouse called for by Gov. Ronald Reagan after 1971 San Fernando Earthquake • “ . . . to ensure that lessons from future earthquakes would be learned.” • Names CDMG, EERI, and OES

5. Governor’s Earthquake Council First Report 1972 Echoed by the Joint Committee on Seismic Safety Report to the California Legislature

6. Governor’s Earthquake Council First Report 1972…..Continued

7. Governor’s Earthquake Council First Report 1972…..Continued

8. Clearinghouse Interactions

9. Post-Earthquake Clearinghouse • Past California Clearinghouse Operations • 1971 – San Fernando - M6.6 • 1987 - Whittier Narrows - M6.1 • 1989 - Loma Preita - M6.9 • 1992 - Landers - M7.5 • 1994 - Northridge - M6.7

10. Post-Earthquake Clearinghouse • State Clearinghouses are now a requirement of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) • USGS Circular 1242 • “to ensure an orderly post-earthquake technical reconnaissance”

11. Clearinghouse is an quasi ephemeral organization made up of representatives of State/Federal agencies, universities, and private institutions.

12. Between earthquake events…… • Members of the Clearinghouse meet three times per year (2 norCal and 1 soCal), to maintain the network among agency representatives, review and update the Clearinghouse plan, keep abreast of emergency response procedures, and share information on new technologies and data gathering solutions that could be incorporated into Clearinghouse operations. The Clearinghouse also participates in emergency response exercises Cal EMA organizes about every two years.

13. Post-Earthquake Clearinghouse • Location selected for Clearinghouse • Set up & running within 24 hours (hopefully) • As near to area of earthquake as practical • Co-located with FEMA’s DFO if possible • For large earthquakes, may require two or more sites Clearinghouse Exercise, Nov. 2004

14. Post-Earthquake Clearinghouse • A place for field researchers to: • Register • Coordinate with others • Share/discuss results • A source of info for: • Emergency Responders • Parent Agencies • Media • Scientific Community Nisqually, WA Clearinghouse, Feb. 2001

15. Collect the information • Map the nature and extent of fault ruptures, landslides, and liquefaction before evidence is cleared away • Document building types & extent of damage before they are demolished

16. Classify the Information • Geological effects • Liquefaction • Landslides • Primary fault ruptures

17. Classify the Information • Engineering effects • Poor Design • Construction flaws • Material failures

18. Distribute the Information • Communicate results to: • Emergency Responders • General public via web • Media briefs (USGS)

19. Technology & the Clearinghouse • GIS used whenever possible • Collect information digitally with handheld GIS iPaq units etc. • Web used whenever possible • Internally – Via Parent Agency Support • Externally – Google, ESRI, others

20. Contact Info……..Clearinghouse Management Group California Geological Survey Ralph Loyd ralph.loyd@conservation.ca.gov Earthquake Engineering Research Institute Susan Tubbesing skt@eeri.org Marjorie Greene mgreene@eeri.org U.S. Geological Survey Steve Walterswalter@usgs.gov California Emergency Management Agency Kate Longkate.long@OES.ca.gov Federal Emergency Management Agency Johanna Fentonjohanna.fenton@dhs.gov Visit WWWL. eqclearinghouse.org

21. Conclusions • The Clearinghouse is set up following a damaging earthquake to coordinate the collection and classification of the geological and engineering effects of the earthquake.

22. Conclusions • The Clearinghouse is set up following a damaging earthquake to coordinate the collection and classification of the geological and engineering effects of the earthquake. • Results are communicated to emergency responders, the media, and parent agencies

23. Conclusions……… • The Clearinghouse is set up following a damaging earthquake to coordinate the collection and classification of the geological and engineering effects of the earthquake. • Results are communicated to emergency responders, the media, and parent agencies • Lessons learned result in more EQ resistant building designs, enhanced safety standards, and effective laws that reduce the overall risk from future earthquakes in California

24. If you and your agency would like to participate in the Clearinghouse… • (or just keep abreast of its activities)………. • Contact Ralph Loyd • You will be added to the email distribution list……… • ralph.loyd@conservation.ca.gov • No dues!