Californians know that a devastating earthquake could occur anywhere in the state at any time.  And we also know that a major earthquake would cause hundreds or thousands of deaths, widespread homelessness, and massive property damage. 

Although Californians are aware of these important facts, somehow the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) still do not seem to have gotten the message.  Last September, I requested a copy of the FEMA disaster recovery plan for California.  After several months, I was disappointed to receive a general reply outlining the things that might happen following a generic disaster. 

Recently, following a new report from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography on the geologic stress that is present especially along the southern portions of the San Andreas Fault -- and the likelihood that a major earthquake is, in fact, overdue -- I again asked for a detailed plan for actions that would follow an earthquake.  In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, I have again requested a plan specific to California on the steps that would be taken in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake to respond to widespread destruction. 

Sadly, it appears that little has changed at FEMA in the year following Hurricane Katrina.  The agency appears to be woefully unprepared for an earthquake of  major magnitude and the devastation that would follow in California.  You can count on me to continue to demand a substantive plan that is designed to keep Californians safe in the days following an earthquake.