An Assessment of the Consequences and Preparations for a Catastrophic California Earthquake: Findings and Actions Taken

by United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency

Sincerely,

The Honorable Edmund G. Brown, Jr.
Governor of California
Sacramento, California 95814

September 26, 1980

The Honorable Jimmy Carter
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Let me take this opportunity to review our conversations over the last few months regarding increased seismic activity in California.

When we met in Oakland on July 4 I raised the issue of seismic hazards. I was concerned then with the steady increase in seismic activity in California since 1978. Sharing my concern, you directed that the National Security Council join with my staff and certain local experts to conduct a quick study on the potential for a great earthquake in California.