This report, written after the terrible Jan. 1994 Northridge, CA, earthquake, focuses attention on the earthquake mitigation needs of the L.A. area, discussing steps that can be taken to minimize injury & loss of life in future earthquakes. Most current mitigation efforts are actually a form of post-disaster response & recovery. This report looks at what can be done before the next emergency occurs. Extensive interviews were conducted to draw on the experience & insights of persons directly involved in earthquake recovery & mitigation efforts, including Federal, State, & local government officials, as well as representatives from utility companies & other private & nonprofit institutions in the L.A.

area. Information was also compiled from news articles, published research on mitigation technology & the experience of other earthquakes, as well as from recently published assessments of the damage caused by the Northridge quake.