Seismic Design Categories and Earthquake Hazard

Questions and Answers

To provide direction and orientation

The meaning of symbols and colors

To sustain you and your family for three to four days in an emergency

To plan in advance and coordinate with local government and national agencies Signup and view all the answers

The distribution of rainfall throughout the year Signup and view all the answers

To learn more about the potential hazards in your community Signup and view all the answers

To interpret the earthquake hazard potential and effects of shaking Signup and view all the answers

Could experience strong shaking Signup and view all the answers

To be guided to a direction or place where we want to go Signup and view all the answers

Damage is considerable in poorly built structures Signup and view all the answers

Near major active faults capable of producing the most intense shaking Signup and view all the answers

7 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seismic Design Categories (SDC) help interpret earthquake maps, providing insight into earthquake hazard potential and shaking effects
SDC Map Color indicates the probability of experiencing damaging earthquake effects:
- White: Very small probability of experiencing damaging earthquake effects
- Gray: Moderate intensity shaking, felt by all, with slight damage
- Yellow: Strong shaking, with damage negligible in well-designed buildings and slight to moderate in ordinary structures
- Light Brown: Very strong shaking, with damage slight in specially designed structures and considerable in ordinary buildings
- Darker Brown (D1) and Darkest Brown (D2): Very strong shaking, with damage considerable in specially designed structures and great in poorly built structures
- Red: Near major active faults, capable of producing the most intense shaking, with damage considerable in specially designed structures and great in substantial buildings

Map interpretation involves analyzing a map to navigate and understand its components
7 important components of a map:
- Compass rose (orientation)
- Title (map description)
- Symbols (pictures instead of words)
- Legend or Key (explains symbol meanings and colors)
- Color (highlights important information)
- Scale (map proportion to real life)
- Grid Reference (intersecting lines to locate specific places)

Prepare an Emergency Go Bag with essential items for 3-4 days, including:
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Battery-powered radio
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Extra clothes and undergarments
- Copies of personal documents
- Mobile phones with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash and specific items needed by family members
Create a Family Preparedness Plan, including:
- How family members will contact each other
- Designated meeting place
- Tasks assigned to each member
Be Informed:
- Learn about potential hazards in your community
- Coordinate with local government and national agencies for emergency plans and updates

Type I: Two pronounced seasons, dry from November to April, and wet during the rest of the year
Type II: No dry season, with a very pronounced rainfall from November to April, and wet during the rest of the year
Type III: Seasons not very pronounced, relatively dry from November to April, and wet during the rest of the year
Type IV: Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year