Earthquake Preparedness

For the population in North America living along the west coast, the California earthquake and British Columbia earthquake zones are very informed compared to the rest of the population on average, about earthquakes. For those who are not, a few facts would help:

Earthquakes result from the shifting of tectonic plates in the earth’s crust. These small and large plates are always moving, slowly yes, but still moving. This results in small tremors and earthquakes of many sizes. The result of an earthquake can be minimal to deep crevices formed that create disastrous results for whatever was on the ground where the crevice occurred.

Can earthquakes be predicted? Well, the study of earthquakes is not there for amusement. There is the prevalent thought that they cannot be predicted, but I suggest we view the most recent earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy, in which one now famous seismologist Giacchino Giulini set up information online about a disastrous earthquake in the very near month or two. The earthquake registered 6.2 magnitude. The government forced him to remove his information but unfortunately he was accurate and the devastation occurred in April 2009. He was not looking at the stars for fun, but had been making a study on the area and its proneness for earthquakes based on radon gas buildup in areas with seismic activity. He was with the National Institute of Astrophysics by the way. Not sure if they have given him a big promotion since then but he’s probably had offers from all over the world.

Many of us have experienced slight tremors and small earthquakes that moved beneath us and shook us up a bit, but for some their biggest fear at night is whether the next earthquake will hit their area. Large earthquakes can result in swaying of the high rise building you are in, floors moving, a rolling motion to the floor as if you are on a boat, furniture sliding or falling, unsecured fixtures dropping, and fire and sprinkler systems automatically setting off. Windows may shatter. There may be a roaring sound. In the 1994 California earthquake, homes were left in complete ruins from that earthquake and we can safely say that more than the floors moved that day, as homes were almost completely in collapsed disarray. We are not amused.

Preparing for the Event of an Earthquake:

Is there any use in preparing? Yes, absolutely. The advance decisions we make can save our life and those of our family, not to mention all others around us.

- Teach everyone how to shut off the water and electricity. Label the switches and fasten a wrench by the natural gas tank so it will be handy for use.

- Secure heavy appliances

- Keep flammable solvents away from heat sources.

- Closed curtains will help keep shattered glass to a minimum.

- Use safety latches to prevent cupboards from automatically opening up during tremors.

- For mobile homes consult with the manufacturer if necessary as to having a structural brace included in order to limit the chances of the trailer falling off the supports.

- Don’t hang heavy pictures and mirrors above the bed. That velvet painting of Elvis that you bought twenty years ago would hopefully be ruined but we don’t want you to be.

When Earthquakes Hit:

Indoors:

- follow the rules of Drop, Cover and Hold. This means to drop down on the ground under heavy furniture, cover your head and hold onto the heavy furniture or whatever you have dropped under so that you have its protection over you. If you cannot get under heavy furniture, drop down flat against an interior wall. Face away from windows. For those in wheelchairs, secure the locks of the chair, and try protecting the back of your neck and head. If you are in an elevator, hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as it opens.

Outdoors:

- Stop the vehicle you are in once you have pulled over to the side away from traffic. Avoid underpasses, overpasses, bridges and anything that could collapse. You do not want to bring more risk to yourself. Listen to the radio for instructions from emergency personnel. If you are on the coast, realize that a tsunami can result from an earthquake so you have double trouble to be aware of. The other secondary effects from an earthquake could be landslides, flooding in low areas.

After an Earthquake:

- Know that aftershocks can and will likely occur, bringing more tremors.

- Do not enter your home if there is structural damage. Check the area around it first before entering.

- If tap water is still running, fill up as many containers including tub and sinks as possible, because the water supply may be stopped from the earthquake damage. Don’t flush toilets if you think the sewer lines have been damaged.

- A big do not – DO NOT light matches or lighters if you are not sure about gas leaks and and flammable materials that have spilled. You would be able to smell the gas.

- Form a neighborhood group of people who can organize searches and ensuring people are safe and taken care of. It takes a community to raise a child, and a community to stay alive sometimes.