(a)

(1) The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, Earthquake Preparedness Program, shall coordinate an earthquake program designed to protect the lives and property of persons of this state, to the fullest possible extent, from the direct effects of seismic activity affecting Arkansas as well as from secondary effects created by such occurrence.

(2) The program shall coordinate all activities involved in mitigation and preparedness regarding seismic events. Toward that end, the program shall include but not be limited to:

(A) Continued assessment from proper scientific authorities of the seismic risk to the state;

(B) Training and education of state and local government officials, employees, and citizens of Arkansas regarding preparation and protective measures that can be taken before, during, and after an earthquake;

(C) Planning coordination, guidance, and assistance to all state and local government officials in preparation for, response to, and recovery from earthquakes;

(D) Coordination of earthquake program activities with comparable agencies of the federal government and other states; and

(E) Dissemination of information to the public pertaining to earthquake hazards, especially to Arkansans living near the New Madrid Fault, protective measures, seismic resistance in building construction, and appropriate actions to be taken before, during, and after an earthquake, and other matters the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management shall determine to be necessary or appropriate to educate, inform, and equip citizens in this state to deal with any earthquake.

(b) In order to carry out the responsibilities provided for in this section, the program is authorized to employ such personnel as deemed necessary to the extent that funds are appropriated therefor by the General Assembly.