With the recent activity taking place in Yellowstone National Park we have started seeing the circulation of an email from Doug Copp encouraging the concept of "Triangle of Life."  While this concept may be applicable to building techniques in some countries, it is not considered to be an appropriate action for the United States.  The commonly accepted practice of Drop, Cover, and Hold On is still considered the most appropriate action to take in Montana during an earthquake due to the construction methods used here.

The "Triangle of Life" concept does not take into account building standards employed throughout the United States.  The Earthquake Country Alliance does a good job of summarizing the issuees presented by the "Triangle of Life" concept and why Drop, Cover, and Hold On is still appropriate for the United States (Click Here).  When this concept first appeared a couple years ago, numerous organizations responded with their concerns over many key concepts that are over looked in the "Triangle of Life."  Some of their responses can be read below:

• American Red Cross Letter of Response
• Structural Engineers Association of California
• Oregon Office of Homeland Security
• California Office of Emergency Services

• ReadyGallatin.com
• EarthQuakeCountry.info

The State of Montana is in the process of updating and revising the State's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan.  Each state is required to have a FEMA approved plan that addresses the State's risks, assessment of its hazards, and mitigation strategies.  This plan must be in place in order for the state, or local jurisdictions, to be eligible for a variety of federal programs.  These programs include:

• Public Assistance
• Fire Management Assistance Grants
• Hazard Mitigation Grants
• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants
• Flood Mitigation Grants

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released drafts of revised floodplain maps (Flood Insurance Rate Maps) for Gallatin County. Areas in Gallatin County with substantial revisions to the FEMA maps include: the Big Sky Area; the entire length of the East Gallatin River; the West Gallatin River downstream of Interstate 90; and the Jefferson and Madison rivers in the vicinity of Three Forks. The preliminary maps can be viewed on the web at http://www.gallatin.mt.gov/Public_Documents/gallatincomt_plandept/preliminaryfemafloodplain , in the Gallatin County Planning Department, the Bozeman Engineering Department, or at Three Forks City Hall.

During January a series of open houses will be held around the County where the public can review the preliminary floodplain maps and ask questions. The dates and locations of the open houses are as follows:

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