Earthquake Safety: Building codes Emma Porter Pr. 1 Syracuse Jr High

Governing entity: Utah State Legislature Davis County Representatives Paul Ray, Curtis Oda, Brad R Wilson, Stephen G Handy, Stewart Barlow, Timothy D Hawks, Raymond P Ward, and Rebecca P Edwards

Issue and connection to Earth science: Stricter building laws should be passed in Utah because of the impending threat of a severe earthquake in the near future. We must be prepared for such an earthquake to occur. These new laws are needed especially along the Wasatch Front because of the increasing tension along the fault line. In between the Wasatch Fault and the San Andreas Fault, the tectonic plate is being pulled, and at any time could be released, causing a potentially severe earthquake. This issue connects to the unit in Earth Science on Plate Tectonics. This is how we can apply the information to real life.

Research and solution An earthquake is the movement of tectonic plates that results in shaking. Local governments can regulate the use of land in hazardous areas, and enforce strict building codes in those regions to reduce the risk of earthquake damage. The design and location of a building are important factors to think about for architects, engineers, and city planners. Tall buildings with parking areas underneath are especially susceptible to earthquake damage because of the instability that comes with tall buildings. One-story structures are much more flexible and can stand better. Some government buildings, like the state capital, have had shock absorbers installed underneath them to reduce earthquake damage.

Call to action I encourage all of you to take earthquake precautions in your own homes. Urge everyone in Davis County to take precautions. This will greatly help in the long run. It is best to be prepared for whatever may come our way. It is important to protect the people that you lead.

Works cited Hanneberg, Bill. "Earthquake." The Gale Encyclopedia of Science. Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. 5th ed. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2014. Science in Context. Web. 27 May 2015. World Book Encyclopedia. 2012 ed. Vol. 6. 34-35. Print.