Canada: Major effort to needed to reverse apathy about earthquake planning in British Columbia

All levels of society must work to reverse a deep-seated apathy to earthquake preparedness in British Columbia, according to a report commissioned by the British Columbia government, reports Vancouver Sun.

"On the whole, British Columbians, and the majority of their institutions, have either not made earthquake preparedness a priority, or have been unable to make significant progress on addressing this issue," said the report, written by Henry Renteria, former head of California's Office of Emergency Services.

Recommendations of the report include engaging the the private sector in emergency management planning, including setting out legal requirements, improved analysis of structures and areas at risk in an earthquake by the province, local authorities, the private sector, First Nations and the public, and more spending on improving ways to communicate with the public.