disseminated.

=Action=: FEMA will stimulate and work with the State of
California and other appropriate groups to develop and
publicize earthquake awareness, hazard mitigation
techniques, specific post-earthquake actions to be taken,
including first aid, and other pertinent information.

=Issue=: The possibility of a credible,
scientifically-based prediction of a catastrophic
earthquake poses serious challenges to government and our
society. The current level of scientific understanding of
earthquake prediction and the available resources are such
that present instrumentation efforts are directed toward
research rather than maintaining extensive monitoring
networks for real-time prediction. The transition from
research to fully operational capability will require
additional scientific understanding as well as resources.
Earthquake predictions are possible, perhaps likely,
however, from the current research effort. Even with a
significant level of uncertainty, any scientifically
credible prediction that indicates a catastrophic
earthquake is expected within about 1 year or less, will
require very difficult and consequential decisions on the
part of elected officials at all levels of government.
Decisions may include such possibilities as the
mobilization of National Guard and U.S. Department of
Defense resources prior to the event, the imposition of
special procedures or drills at potentially hazardous
facilities, such as nuclear reactors or dams, the