SECTIONS 2810-2815 - California Statutes

PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE

SECTION 2810-2815

2810. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Most of the state's major metropolitan areas are subject to
potentially devastating, large magnitude earthquakes.
(b) Earth scientists estimate that there is greater than a 50
percent probability that one or more damaging earthquakes will occur
in these metropolitan areas between now and the end of the century.
(c) The commission, in conjunction with other local, state, and
federal agencies, has initiated programs to prepare the state for
responding to the threat of major earthquakes. The first program, the
Southern California Earthquake Preparedness Project, is administered
by the office. The commission has since initiated a similar effort
in northern California, the Bay Area Regional Earthquake Preparedness
Project.
(d) Through the work of the Southern California Earthquake
Preparedness Project and the Bay Area Regional Earthquake
Preparedness Project, earthquake mitigation and preparedness plans,
procedures, and educational materials have been developed and used to
encourage and support local jurisdictions' preparedness activities
in both southern and northern California.
(e) Since July 1, 1984, the commission and the office have jointly
carried out a comprehensive earthquake preparedness program by
providing planning and technical assistance as follows:
(1) To local jurisdictions, volunteer agencies and associations,
and private-sector organizations, to develop and implement hazard
mitigation and prevention programs to reduce earthquake
vulnerability.
(2) To improve regionwide preparedness and response capabilities.
(3) To stimulate and promote innovative preparedness planning
activities by local jurisdictions.
(f) The activities of the Southern California Earthquake
Preparedness Project and the Bay Area Regional Earthquake
Preparedness Project have successfully encouraged and supported local
programs that reduce potential earthquake hazards and increase
preparedness capabilities of participating jurisdictions and raise
the level of citizens' awareness of, and preparedness for,
earthquakes.

2811. As used in this chapter:
(a) "Agency" means the California Emergency Management Agency.
(b) "Commission" means the Seismic Safety Commission.
(c) "Local jurisdiction" means a city, county, or district.
(d) "Preparedness" means long-term preearthquake hazard
mitigation, reconstruction, and recovery planning and preparation for
emergency response.

2812. (a) The projects authorized by this chapter shall promote
voluntary actions by local jurisdictions, volunteer agencies and
associations, and private organizations which address all aspects of
seismic safety, including, but not limited to, mitigation, public
information and education, response, and recovery planning.
(b) The projects may do all of the following:
(1) Provide planning and technical assistance for developing and
implementing earthquake hazard mitigation and loss prevention
programs that reduce earthquake vulnerability.
(2) Provide planning and technical assistance to improve regional,
local, community, corporate, and public and private school
preparedness.
(3) Provide planning and technical assistance to local
jurisdictions to improve regional and local agencies' response
capabilities for predicted and unpredicted earthquakes.
(4) Participate with local, regional, state, and federal agencies,
councils of government, and private organizations in providing
education and training workshops and conferences on comprehensive
earthquake preparedness.
(5) Promote innovative approaches by local jurisdictions in the
areas of public education and individual, community, and
private-sector preparedness.

2814. The earthquake preparedness activities established under this
chapter shall be carried out by the agency. The commission and
agency shall work together and use appropriate scientific information
and recommendations provided by the division. Other arrangements to
coordinate the activities established by this chapter shall be made,
through mutual agreement, by the commission and the agency. A local
advisory board shall be established to provide advice and guidance on
project activities in the Counties of San Diego, Imperial, and Santa
Barbara.

2815. The agency may enter into agreements with local, regional,
and federal agencies, councils of government, and private
organizations and contractors, and may receive and expend funds
provided by those entities in support of comprehensive earthquake
preparedness programs authorized by this chapter. The commission and
agency shall seek assistance from appropriate federal agencies.