Interviewer: Allan, how are you connected to the USGS’ ShakeOut earthquake scenario?
Allan Renazco: We utilize this scenario to basically develop our plan for how we would react just in case such a scenario should occur.
Interviewer: How do you specifically use this science?
How are you applying that to your work?
Allan Renazco: In reaction to what buildings would go down,
what lifelines would be cut, it allows planners to basically
utilize it in how the reaction would start if certain
buildings are fortified, have been rebuilt since the last
significant earthquake. It allows us basically to push that to
the side and focus on the other areas that are
going to require more assistance.
So what does it mean to you that this is based on real
science and real research?
It allows you to get a real feel for what may occur in reality.
As of right now, you just look and go, “I hope that doesn’t happen.”
But when you really look at the numbers of buildings had been
refortified, had been rebuilt, it allows you to look with a
clear view as to what you’ll be doing.
So have you been involved in an effort like this before?
Is there something unique about the ShakeOut for you
as far as an exercise planning scenario?
This is my first time doing any kind of domestic operation like this.
I have of course been overseas and seen different things on
that side but never a scenario like this or never with this
amount of planning and this amount of science applied to it.
So who are some of the different agencies and offices that
you’ve ended up working with as a result of this?
FEMA, Department of Defense, Army North Command as well
as in the state, there was the Emergency Responders,
Office of Homeland Security, Office of Emergency Services;
all involved using the same scenario.
So for you, what are you most proud of or excited about the ShakeOut?
Again, when you look at the area as gray and you really
don’t know what you would be doing, it’s good to actually
put a number to the black and white of what you’ll be attacking.
So from a military perspective, you like to know as much as
you can before your get into it than after the fact.
Well, thank you very much. I appreciate your time.
Thank you.