CM/Spotlight: Safety Earthquake Preparedness PLANNING Knowing the health of a structure following a tremor can save time, money and lives. By: Mark Sereci A An average of 27,000 earthquakes have been recorded worldwide every year for the past decade. This year alone, the United States has experi-enced more than 3,800 earthquakes with notable events as recently as October 20, 2011, when a 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit Southern Texas. It’s not a matter of if an earthquake will take place, but more a matter of when. The question, particularly in those moments following an earthquake, is whether or not the building is safe and can be reoccupied. A new technology has been introduced to help answer that question in less than 15 minutes fol-lowing an event. Mark Sereci, chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Digitexx Data Systems has 40 years’ experience in the field of earthquake engi-neering, structural dynamic monitoring and instrumenta-tion. He can be reached at [email protected]. To learn more about real-time structural health monitoring systems for buildings, visit www.Digitexx.com. for more info Visit www.cmmonline.com and type in search keyword: Safety . For more information on related products, visit www.cmmonline.com , select SUPPLIER SEARCH from the main navigation bar, and enter keyword: Software . An overview of damage in a particular area helps building owners and facilities managers determine the structural integrity of their building and surrounding properties. 30 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • November 2011
CMM – Archives Nov 2011: 30
