SFChronicle on Quake Preparedness

Top 3 potential catastrophes in the U.S. as of five years ago: major terrorist attack on a U.S. city, hurricane and flooding in New Orleans, and major earthquake in California. Two of those have already happened, and the third is inevitable.

Today's San Francisco Chronicle has special coverage on the risks of earthquakes and the preparations by state and local government. Of particular interest is a special supplement, "Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country: Your Handbook for the San Francisco Bay Region." It was developed by a broad array of organizations with unparalleled expertise, including local, regional, state, and federal agencies; the Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations; and professional groups such as the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute and the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California.

Never mind the comics, the TV listings, or sale circulars: the earthquake coverage alone is worth a buck and a half, and be sure to pick up part 2 in tomorrow's paper.