Earthquake Risks and Mitigation in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Region 1999-2003

Keywords: Risk management.  Economic losses.  Damage.  Hazard mitigation.  New York, NY.  New York City.  Seismic risk.  Loss estimations.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  Soils.  Buildings.  Inventories.  Earthquake scenarios.  Models.  Simulations.  Recommendations.

Abstract: This report presents the results of a multi-year study that addresses the risks of an earthquake in the New York City area. It provides basic information on the effect of an earthquake by identifying a range of impacts using HAZUS, FEMA's methodology for performing loss estimations.  Soil information for the NY-NJ-CT region was assembled, as was a detailed building inventory (complete for Manhattan and less detailed for the surrounding region). Based on this information, several earthquake scenarios and their probable consequences were identified and modeled. The results and recommendations are presented in the report for use in developing and implementing cost-effective risk management plans to reduce potential damage and losses.