Serious investing in earthquake mitigation measures for properties need to be made to protect Americans in areas of high seismic risk.That was one of the conclusions to come out of the Seismic Risk Mitigation Leadership Forum, which had Bermuda reinsurer RenaissanceRe as its lead sponsor.In two days of panel discussions, elected leaders, leading scientists and emergency managers discussed emerging technologies that can make buildings more earthquake resistant. They also highlighted needed public policy changes that would spur greater investment in earthquake mitigation.San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan jointly opened the Forum, praising the more than 300 gathered delegates for their commitment to bolstering America’s readiness for a major earthquake. The two spoke of their commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations are not overlooked in earthquake preparedness and response.One of the co-sponsors was the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER).PEER director Stephen Mahin joined a panel that provided an update on the recent Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. “It is clear from the recent damage observed in Japan, as well as in Chile and New Zealand, that we have come a long way in developing technologies capable of achieving seismic safety in new construction,” Mr Mahin said.“More needs to be done to insure that these technologies are implemented in all regions vulnerable to earthquakes. We need to reduce risk associated with our stock of existing buildings, and construct new structures that are not just safe, but are resilient and can be restored to service in a short time.”Craig Tillman, president of WeatherPredict Consulting Inc, a another co-sponsor, called the gathering an important opportunity to better understand the wide ranging impact of earthquake hazards. “The conversation started in San Francisco will certainly continue based on the strong appetite for collaboration from our delegates,” Mr Tillman said. “We also leave San Francisco with a strong collective sense that scientifically sound, strategic investments in mitigation need to be ramped up considerably in California and elsewhere in America.“We only need to look overseas at the recent earthquake experience in Haiti, Chile, New Zealand and Japan to understand the significant benefits of that investment.”Stephen Weinstein, chairman of the Risk Sciences Foundation of RenRe, acknowledged the important contribution of the two Bay area mayors and FEMA’s Region IX Director Nancy Ward, who also spoke at the Forum.“We extend our sincere thanks to Mayors Lee and Quan and Director Ward, as well as all of the speakers, panellists and delegates for contributing to a resoundingly successful forum,” said Weinstein.“We look forward to collaborating with the wide range of stakeholders that joined us in San Francisco in our ongoing effort to enhance the preparedness and resiliency of quake exposed regions.”Julie Rochman, president of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), another event co-sponsor, said: “It is essential that the best minds and the most current technology be applied to building or retrofitting resilient homes, businesses and communities.“There is no excuse not to provide better protection for earthquake-exposed populations, including the members of our communities who are most vulnerable, physically and financially.”The forum’s proceedings will be available at www.mitigationleadership.com