Living with Earthquakes in California: A Survivor's Guide [Paperback]

Robert S. Yeats (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Robert Yeats, a retired professor of geosciences at Oregon State University, knows that earthquakes, small or large, aren't news in California. What is news is how badly prepared most Californians are for the eventuality; scientists there have developed the world's most comprehensive program of disaster management, forecasting, and quake-resistant construction codes, Yeats suggests, but ordinary people have done little to improve their odds of survival. Yeats traces the state's earthquake history of hundreds of years, recounting many episodes of mayhem and destruction. He examines the evolution of building codes, prediction methods, and the role of governmental agencies in civil defense. Most helpful of all, he offers Californians easily followed pointers on preparing for the inevitable, such as making an "earthquake kit" of food, tools, and supplies and developing a neighborhood plan for mutual assistance.

Yeats writes, "Ultimately, the book's value may be measured after the next large earthquake, when we ask ourselves, 'Were we ready?'" He's correct. No other book covers quite as much ground, and anyone who lives in earthquake country, and not just in the Golden State, will find this primer useful. --Gregory McNamee

From the Publisher

Over the past century California has moved from denying the hazards posed by earthquakes--they were bad for business--to adopting building codes and protective legislation that are today the most advanced in the world. In "Living with Earthquakes," Robert Yeats, a leading expert on earthquake geology, describes California's revolutionary efforts to grapple with the earthquake threat. His book is a general reader's guide to California earthquakes, combining current research with practical safety information.

Beginning with a brief introduction to the geological setting of earthquakes, Yeats leads readers through a lively and lucid narrative that:

--describes the major faults that threaten Northern and Southern California and Nevada,
--explores topics ranging from earthquake forecasting and catastrophe insurance (the California Earthquake Authority is the largest residential insurer in the world) to the risks of tsunamis and soil liquefaction,
--reviews the current level of earthquake preparedness and disaster response, including the role of government, scientists, and public in creating awareness and policy,
--suggests actions that citizens can take to protect their families and homes.

"Living with Earthquakes" provides a detailed account of California's violent geologic past and a concise history of the state's innovative approaches to earthquake awareness and preparation. It also serves as a how-to manual for life in earthquake country. Most importantly, however, it's a call to action. Earthquakes cannot be prevented, but the California experience provides a model for how society can learn to live with earthquakes--and survive them.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Oregon State University Press; 1st edition (February 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870714937
• ISBN-13: 978-0870714931
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,510,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Live With 'Em And Can't Live Without 'Em, May 22, 2001

By 

Bruce Crocker "agnostictrickster" (Whittier, California United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Living with Earthquakes in California: A Survivor's Guide (Paperback)

Living With Earthquakes In California by Robert Yeats is an excellent book. I bought the book on the strength of The Geology Of Earthquakes, a textbook Yeats co-authored, but I never expected a book that would rival Bruce Bolt's Earthquakes in my mind. Even though the book is focused on California [Yeats also has one coming out on the Pacific Northwest], it is comprehensive enough to be an all purpose reference on earthquakes. The book covers everything from the science of earthquakes to earthquake insurance. People that find Bolt a little too difficult will find Yeats a little more comprehensible. While the College Board mulls over whether to instate an AP Geology course, I'm already compiling my supplemental reading list for the class and this book will be at the top of the list.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book About CA Earthquake History and Science, August 20, 2005

By 

D. Shiel "dshiel007" (San Marcos, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Living with Earthquakes in California: A Survivor's Guide (Paperback)

This is a great book as an all-around reference for understanding not only the science and theory behind CA earthquakes, but also the hitory and cultural factors that have shaped our response to earthquakes.