says victor galinski, a former member of the nuclear regulatory commission. >> it does tell you thatssumptions about safety may be wrong and we really need to take a look at our systems and make sure that our assumptions are still valid. >> reporter: california isn't the only part of the country that have earthquakes. what geologists call seismic hot spots are scattered across the country. there are 104 commercial reactors in the u.s. including those operating in earthquake zones. and though diablo canyon sits right on the coast, geologists say a tsunami as big as the one that hit japan is unlikely here. john blackstone, avila beach, california. >> this morning on "the early show," continuing coverage of the disaster in japan. i'm betty nguyen. this is the "cbs morning news." i can't let allergies stop me from the leading the way. so, i get claritin clear. non-drowsy claritin relieves my worst symptoms. and only claritin is proven to keep me as alert and focused as someone without allergies. whoa ! watch your step ! thanks ! live claritin clear. all you expect from the number-one rec

but the japanese also assumed their nuclear plants would hold up says victor glyn galinsky, a formerember of the nuclear regulatory commission. >> it tells you your assumptions about safety may be wrong and we need to go back and look at our systems and make sure our assumption are still valid. >> reporter: california isn't the only part of the country can have earthquakes, what geologists call seismic hot spots are scattered across the country. there are 104 commercial nuclear reactors in the u.s., including those operating in earthquake zones, and there are other natural hazards, too. in 1992, hurricane andrew knocked out power to the turkey point plant south of miami for five days but the plant survived. nuclear power supporters point out that even the accident at three mile island in 1979 did not result in the disaster first feared and the newest generation of nuclear power plants is built to an even higher standard. and although diablo canyon here sits right on the coast, geologists say a tsunami as big as the one that hit japan is unlikely here. katie? >> couric: john blackston