NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the panel responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

This report has been reviewed by a group other than the authors according to procedures approved by a Report Review Committee consisting of members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine.

Support for this study was provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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The cover art for this report was created by Carrie Mallory, a graduate of the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. She takes many of her themes for the natural world, and she has provided several covers for National Research Council reports. The original wood block for this cover was created using traditional Japanese carving tools, techniques, and inks.