Media Advisory
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Contact: Clarice Nassif Ransom 703-860-3983 cransom@xxxxxxxx
Beth Stettner 703-648-5928 eastettner@xxxxxxxx
Release Date: Sept. 7, 2006
USGS To Host Congressional Briefing on Wildfires and Landslides
Even after the smoke clears from a wildfire, the danger is not over. Other hazards such as debris flows (fast-moving, destructive landslides) can also occur in the aftermath of a wildfire. Wildfires and landslides occur in every state and territory; they kill people and cost American taxpayers billions of dollars in disaster aid, disruption of commerce, and destruction of homes and critical infrastructure.
"While we cannot prevent natural events such as floods, mudslides, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, earthquakes, or tsunamis, we can reduce or mitigate their devastating impacts by helping communities to rebuild in safer locations, construct sturdier dwellings, and enforce sound building practices," said U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer.
Come hear how the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its partners are working together to meet the challenge of reducing America’s wildfire and landslide risk.
What:
The USGS will host a
congressional briefing on how science can be used to safeguard communities
from the threat of wildfires and
landslides.
Who:
Thomas Casadevall, USGS
Jerome
De Graff, USDA Forest Service
Michael
Rohde, Orange County Fire Authority
Where:
Room 2325 Rayburn
House Office Building
Washington,
DC
When:
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Friday,
Sept. 15, 2006
Sponsors:
U.S. Senator Dianne
Feinstein
U.S. Representative
Earl Blumenauer
U.S. Representative
James Moran
Host:
National Fire Protection
Association
The USGS recently launched a new
Web site and seven easy-to-understand fact sheets on earthquakes, floods,
hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes and wildfires, which can be
accessed at http://www.usgs.gov/hazards.
To access information about the
USGS Congressional Briefing Series, visit www.usgs.gov/solutions.
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.
To receive USGS news releases, go to http://www.usgs.gov/public/list_server.html to subscribe.
***www.usgs.gov***
