9415728 Lindell This project is being funded as part of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program's investigation into the causes and effects of the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake. The study will survey companies operating hazardous material facilities to assess the extent to which the earthquake initiated releases, caused precursor events (such as damage to storage tanks, pipes, and valves), and produced a loss of emergency response systems (especially power and communications). The study will also assess the degree to which the facilities had developed hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness measures before the Northridge earthquake, have upgraded these measures since the earthquake occurred, or intended to upgrade them in the near future. The research will provide a greater understanding of the magnitude of hazardous materials threats posed by earthquakes, and the factors that influence the adoption of mitigation measures and emergency preparedness actions. ***
