National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Office

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) was established by the U.S. Congress when it passed the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, Public Law (PL) 95-124.  At the time of its creation, Congress' stated purpose for NEHRP was "to reduce the risks of life and property from future earthquakes in the United States through the establishment and maintenance of an effective earthquake hazards reduction program."  In establish NEHRP, Congress recognized that earthquake-related losses could be reduced through improved design and construction methods and practices, land use controls and redevelopment, prediction techniques and early-warning systems, coordinated emergency preparedness plans, and public education and involvement programs.

The four NEHRP agencies work in close coordination to improve the Nation's understanding of earthquake hazards and to mitigate their effects.  The missions of the four agencies are complementary, and the agencies work together to improve our understanding, characterization, and assessment of hazards and vulnerabilities; improve model building codes and land use practices; reduce risks through post-earthquake investigations and education; improve design and construction techniques; improve the capability of government at all levels and the private sector to reduce and manage earthquake risk; and accelerate the application of research results.  All four agencies are responsible for coordinating program activities with similar activities in other countries.

For more information on the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, visit https://nehrp.gov 

NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM OFFICE