Alumnus launches software to assess earthquake risk in Greater Victoria
Last week, UVic Geography alumnus Ben Kerr launched an online tool that allows local home and business owners to predict the impact of an earthquake on their property. Kerr says, "The idea is to give people more information to use when they come up with family response plans and preparedness.” The software went live on Oct 19, just in time for the Great BC Shake Out, an annual event that raises awareness about earthquake safety. According to Kerr, most people know how to prepare for an earthquake, but they do not know as much about the specific impacts an earthquake could have on their property. “Places built on rock are in the best situation, whereas sand and clay have the greatest amplification of shaking.” For less than $20, Kerr's company, Quakey Victoria will generate a 20 page report detailing the risks underlying specific properties in the case of an earthquake.