ABSTRACT
The development of earthquake prediction technologies is a continuing process in the United States. The Parkfield earthquake prediction experiment has been on the forefront of both the development of earthquake prediction technology and the effective communication of those developments to the public. And while waiting for the earthquake to happen, news reporters scripted stories that exhaustively and repetitiously detailed the prediction. Residents throughout central California are well aware that they live in earthquake territory. Although readiness actions were not performed in a broad and sweeping manner throughout the area, clearly the circumstances surrounding the alert did induce more readiness activity than might have otherwise been accomplished. The alert also certainly reminded people of their earthquake risk. The alert also provided a good opportunity to circulate information about readiness actions the public could take to become better prepared for inevitable future earthquakes.
