AIA response to Japan Earthquake & Tsunami

letter below from the manager of the AIA Disaster Assistance Program:

I just want to update you on the AIA response to the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan.

First, it's important to emphasize that, with the exception of a potential nuclear disaster, what is happening in Japan in terms of building damage and loss of life represents a best case scenario. This is a country with the best seismic codes in the world that has invested billions of dollars to prepare their infrastructure and educate their population. That said, this is a huge disaster and the response and recovery is going to be a long process.

The AIA has already reached out to JIA at the top levels of the organization. If they request assistance, we will evaluate the requests to determine what we can do at that time.

Right now, the best opportunity to respond is actually through the Department of Commerce. They are beginning a database of companies that can aid in the rebuild process and have asked organizations to collect some of this information to funnel it in.

If you, or any other AIA member is interested in getting on this database, please send the following information: Name, company, address, city, POC, and specialty description to JessicaSalmoiraghi@aia.org. She will compile this information and send it to Commerce by Friday, March 18th at 3pm.

Please feel free to distribute this information through your components and professional networks. There is certainly no guarantee that anyone will be contacted, but this is what we're going with for now as things develop.