As relief workers continue to assist those displaced by Hurricane Katrina, engineers work to pump New Orleans out from underwater, and politicians continue to deal with the political consequences of the disaster, we'll take a look at other possible disasters waiting to happen. From the possibility of other massive storms like Katrina, to the ever-present threat of a major earthquake in California, how are other communities dealing with the potential threats?

Much has been made of unfinished improvements to New Orleans' levee system, that may have left the more city vulnerable to floodwaters. Are there other preventative measures that can be taken now that might lessen the impact of some of these future disasters? We'll talk with scientists, engineers, and disaster planners around the country. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Kathleen Tierney
Professor, Department of Sociology and Institute of Behavioral Sciences
Director, Natural Hazards Center
University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado

Lucile Jones
Scientist-in-charge, Southern California Earthquake Hazards Team
U.S. Geological Survey
Pasadena, California

Henry Petroski
Author, "Pushing the Limits: New Adventures in Engineering" (Knopf, 2004)
Aleksandar S. Vesic (VESS-ick) Professor of Civil Engineering
Professor, History
Pratt School of Engineering
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina

Rich Eisner
Regional Administrator, Coastal Region
Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Oakland, California

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Pushing the Limits: New Adventures in Engineering" by Henry Petroski. Knopf, 2004.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth