Legislation established by the Missouri General Assembly and individual legislators' interest have given much encouragement to earthquake investigations. Private and government infrastructure losses occur due to natural geologic hazards. Geologic hazards can be identified and mapped for the benefit of communities. Local governments, when informed of risk-based losses, are in a position to guide land use in a manner compatible with the geologic hazards. Flooding and landslides are frequent reminders of losses from imprudent land use.
Earthquakes present the greatest loss potential to life, injury and economic welfare in the state.
Potential destruction can be reduced by prudent land use. Costs associated with identifying and making known geologic-hazard areas are repaid many times over in reduced financial and personal injury losses to a community. Hazard mapping helps identify the best sites for new structures and aids in evaluating of existing buildings. With the natural hazard information provided, property developers and land owners are able to assess the best use of the property. Many potential hazards, if recognized, require minimum precautions to avoid later property damage and life risk.