What are seismic hazards and how can preparedness reduce risk?

• A. Seismic hazards are earthquakes, tsunamis, and ground liquefaction; preparedness reduces risk through building codes, early warning, land-use planning, and public education.
• B. Seismic hazards are only tsunamis.
• C. Preparedness cannot reduce risk.
• D. Seismic hazards are unpredictable and cannot be mitigated.

Answer: (D)

Seismic hazards are the potential impacts from earthquakes and related processes, including strong ground shaking, ground rupture, liquefaction, landslides, and tsunamis. Preparedness reduces risk by lowering what people and communities are exposed to and how vulnerable they are when shaking occurs. Think of it as strengthening both the physical environment and the human response: strict building codes keep structures standing and safe during shaking, early warning systems give people precious seconds to drop, cover, and disconnect danger, thoughtful land-use planning keeps critical facilities away from the most hazardous zones, and public education plus practiced emergency plans help individuals, families, and agencies act quickly and effectively. The idea that seismic hazards are limited to tsunamis is too narrow, and the notion that preparedness cannot reduce risk ignores the real, evidence-based ways engineering, planning, and training lessen harm. While nothing can eliminate all risk, preparedness makes communities far more resilient to earthquakes and their effects.