A weekly round-up of news, articles and surveys to make your next emergency better. Have a suggestion for the round-up? Contact me at abetteremergency@gmail.com.

With the recent influx of articles related to California and the “big one,” I have to wonder if someone knows something. A new standard for earthquake-ready buildings talks about how the airport EOC will be up and running. However, I’m not certain the runways will be alright. I’m also curious what fallout will occur when the list of at-risk buildings is released for the general public.

I thought debunking 8 common earthquake myths had some good information. Plus it’s nice to see an investment in preparedness expertise in Los Angeles.  Maybe L.A. vows to take big step in earthquake protection will be more than lip service.   Also, here’s a decent case for how countries need to start investment in disaster readiness.

I can’t imagine many wanted to determine which 1600 schools are at risk from earthquakes. At least this assessment lets them make better planning decisions.   After reading shaking from earthquakes in Vancouver could be worse than thought, I wonder what steps will be initiated.  As bad as Vancouver’s event could be, the predicted casualty and damage figures are daunting if Nepal suffers an earthquake similar to historical events.

This is an example of good neighbor policy:  Japan and U.S. officials sign disaster-preparedness agreement.  I also read with interest how Japan is revising their disaster plans to swiftly evacuate the socially vulnerable.  I am not sure our privacy laws would allow similar mandatory reporting that makes this work. Could a voluntary system like the one in Houston could be adapted to move at risk populations? Perhaps.

Safeguards in place to prevent water disaster locally appears to be in response to the recent disaster in West Virginia. However, I worry when someone proclaims “that can’t happen here.” Speaking of which, Pine Island Glacier’s retreat was news to me.

Finally, child shock guidelines are deadly is a must read for medical personnel, particularly those who are deployed in third world settings.

[GARD]