Unexpected-- earthquake 2011

"This volume brings together eight chapters and six short communications that describe the problems that the August 23, 2011, earthquake caused to the Smithsonian Institution as it swept through the Washington, D.C. area. The first chapter corresponds to a summary of the presentation that Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough made to the Smithsonian at large nearly a month after the event. The second chapter gives an overview of the impact the earthquake had on buildings and collections. Other chapters describe in detail the damages as well as the post-seismic stabilization and/or repairs and conservation undertaken at various Smithsonian sites such as the historic Hempstead House on SERC's property in Maryland; on fossils in the National Museum of Natural History; on the Horticultural Library and the fluid collection; and at the Museum Support Center pods and overall structure and roof, where the subsequent hurricane Irene exposed many leaks over the offices and laboratories. The short communications report whether damage was suffered in various other Smithsonian museums. The final chapter brings together recommendations for measures to be implemented based on the gained experience. An epilog on the need for preparedness for unexpected emergencies closes the volume that also provides a bibliography relevant to this topic"--Provided by publisher.