We like to think of our children as our most important asset.

Children are literally the future. They represent our hopes and aspirations for the future. And we do what we can to protect them, both as parents and as a society.

But are we neglecting somethingfi

It is only a matter of time before Utah County is rocked by a major earthquake. If it hits during the school year, will our children survivefi

According to BYU geology professor Ron Harris, they may not be safe.

Only three of Provo's 18 schools were built after 1985, when seismic building codes went into effect. Harris said that means 11,000 students attend classes in unreinforced buildings that could collapse in a severe quake.

Chances are that older schools in other parts of the valley would not fare much better. If something is not done, the effect could be devastating. We have all seen the pictures from earthquake-stricken areas of rescuers digging through piles of rubble where a school once stood, hoping to save some of the children trapped inside.

Earthquake codes ensure that buildings will either ride out a quake safely or will remain standing long enough for people to get out after the initial tremors.

Provo school officials say they are dealing with the problem, training staff how to respond to an earthquake and conducting earthquake drills in the schools.

While the training is a good idea, it would be even better to upgrade the buildings. Earthquake training has its uses, but it won't help a child who is pinned under bricks and concrete.

The fix is not cheap. Making earthquake improvements to all Provo schools would cost an estimated $9 million, which is almost twice the cost of building a new elementary school. It would have to be paid for by either bonding or a property tax increase, both of which are unpopular options with fiscally conservative voters.

But it's not a lot of money in the grand scheme of government. And who would object if it meant thousands of schoolchildren would survive an earthquake during the school dayfi

Right now, the state is spending $212 million to seismically upgrade the Utah State Capitol, a building that only cost $2.7 million to build back in 1916 (about $50 million in today's money). If we are willing to spend several times what the Capitol is worth to preserve the seat of government, why not spend a much smaller sum to upgrade rickety schoolsfi

Safe school buildings are not a luxury. They are essential.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A6.