Seismic Safety

By KSBY

Wednesday marked the nine-month anniversary of the San Simeon earthquake as well as a new state law known as the "Jennifer Lynn Myrick Memorial Law," which requires unreinforced masonry buildings to post a placard saying the building may be unsafe if an earthquake hits.

"Jenna's Bill" was influenced by Leroy and Vicky Myrick, who say their daughter's death was unnecessary. Last December, Jennifer Myrick and Marilyn Frost-Zafuto were killed when the Acorn building collapsed as they ran from Ann's Dress Shop during the San Simeon earthquake. With the passing of "Jenna's Bill," by January 2005, owners of unreinforced masonry buildings will be required to post a placard at the entrance of their business that says:

"This is an unreinforced masonry building. Unreinforced masonry buildings may be unsafe in the event of a major earthquake."

About the Author

KSBY is the NBC affiliate television station for the Central Coast of California. Learn more at www.ksby.com.