Making Schools Safe from Earthquakes
This online engineering PDH course outlines the earthquake risk to schools and the processes and methods that can be used to reduce it. An explanation of the nature and probability of earthquakes is provided, together with procedures for determining the earthquake threat to specific locations and for evaluating the vulnerability of a school building. An assessment of the scope and effectiveness of seismic building codes is followed by a description of current methods of designing for seismic resistance in new buildings and upgrading existing buildings. Lastly, the course presents guidance for school districts, facility planners, and designers on determining acceptable risk and the use of performance- based design.
Although earthquakes cannot be prevented, modern science and engineering provide tools that can be used to reduce their effects. Science can now identify, with considerable accuracy, where earthquakes are likely to occur and what forces they will generate. This information is readily available and can be obtained for local geographic regions.
This 5 PDH online course is intended primarily for structural, civil, mechanical and construction engineers, and would also be of particular interest to engineers serving as consultants to school officials involved in the technical and financial decisions of school construction, repair, and renovations.
This PE continuing education course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Understanding the nature and probability of earthquakes
- Understanding the vulnerability of schools
- Understanding earthquake damage to schools
- Learning about seismic codes and schools
- Knowing the effectiveness of seismic codes
- Evaluating existing schools for seismic risk and specific risk reduction methods
- Learning about risk reduction for existing and new schools
- Understanding the role of a school as a post-earthquake shelter
In this professional engineering CEU course, you need to review the course document titled, “Making Schools Safe from Earthquakes” which is based on Chapter 4, of the “Design Guide for Improving School Safety in Earthquakes, Floods, and High Winds.” FEMA P-424, December, 2010.
Once you complete your course review, you need to take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of thirty (30) questions to earn 5 PDH credits. The quiz will be based on this FEMA publication.
Upon successful completion of the quiz, print your Certificate of Completion instantly. (Note: if you are paying by check or money order, you will be able to print it after we receive your payment.) For your convenience, we will also email it to you. Please note that you can log in to your account at any time to access and print your Certificate of Completion.