-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Fw: USGS News Release/Do You Know the Hazard in Your Backyard?
Date:   Thu, 27 Jul 2006 15:26:43 -0500
From:   John C Fouke <[log in to unmask]>
To:     maps-l



----- Forwarded by John C Fouke/RGIO/USGS/DOI on 07/27/2006 03:26 PM -----

Do You Know the Hazard in Your Backyard?
-- USGS Launches Web Site and Facts Sheets on Earthquakes, Floods,
Hurricanes, Landslides, Tsunamis, Volcanoes, and Wildfires --

Every year, natural hazards that occur in the United States can result in
hundreds of lives lost and cost billions of dollars in the form of
disaster aid, disrupted commerce and destroyed public and private
properties.

To help educate the public about the threat of natural hazards, the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) has launched a new Web site and seven
easy-to-understand fact sheets on earthquakes, floods, hurricanes,
landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes and wildfires. The hazards Web site
highlights resources and information available from the USGS and provides
links to the individual hazards Web pages for more detailed information.
The Web site and fact sheets can be accessed at
http://www.usgs.gov/hazards/.

?At the USGS, it is our goal to provide scientific research and analysis
that help the public make informed decisions on where natural hazards
occur, how severe they may be, how to react to each hazard and how to
safeguard people and communities,? said USGS Acting Director P. Patrick
Leahy. ?If we can use our science to help save lives and minimize the
damage caused by natural hazards, we have achieved an enormous
goal?helping to prevent natural hazards from becoming disasters.?

The USGS has the lead federal responsibility to provide notifications to
the public about earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides. These
notifications enhance public safety and reduce losses through effective
forecasts and warnings based on the best possible scientific information.
The USGS plays a supportive role to other federal agencies for flooding,
wildfires, hurricanes, tsunamis and coastal storms.

The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to
describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from
natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy and mineral resources;
and enhance and protect our quality of life.

                                        * * *www.usgs.gov* * *