Story perspectives

Scaled-Back Earthquake Drill Highlights Resilience Amid Shutdown

10/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

A scaled-back Fleet Week earthquake drill occurred amid a government shutdown, limiting federal support.
The drill simulated a 7.8-magnitude quake with local agencies and partners, focusing on communication.
The Department of Emergency Management said it remained prepared.
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt program extended registration to October 17, 2025, with $20 million, now covering non-owner-occupied homes.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles caused $44 billion in damages, prompting significant reforms in emergency preparedness, including new protocols established by FEMA. This followed historical precedents like the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which led to major changes in insurance practices. Today, initiatives like Earthquake Brace + Bolt, which allocates $20 million for resilience, reflect ongoing efforts to improve disaster response.

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Story summary

A scaled-back Fleet Week earthquake drill occurred amid a government shutdown, limiting federal support.
The drill simulated a 7.8-magnitude quake with local agencies and partners, focusing on communication.
The Department of Emergency Management said it remained prepared.
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt program extended registration to October 17, 2025, with $20 million, now covering non-owner-occupied homes.

1 / 2