I assume you could say that I am tiny bit “crazy” that I regret not having been in Southern California when the earthquake happened. I am a little bit of a geek when it comes to that, and hey, people are crazy in weirder ways than I am. After all, this is part of my job.
Although I am working up here in Northern California, our office was frequented by TV and News people regarding the earthquake in LA last week. It’s funny how the first thing they ask is “Can this happen here in our area?”
Well, I guess, if you live in California, you should assume that you might experience an earthquake every once in a while, although I admit that the chances in the Central Valley are much slimmer than, let’s say, in the Bay area.
I guess, the reason for writing about this today is that I want to raise awareness for the “largest earthquake drill in the history of the U.S.” organized and planned by the U.S. Geological Survey and based on The ShakeOut Earthquake Scenario, a hypothetical scenario that describes what will happen during and after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southernmost 300 km of the San Andreas fault.
I very much encourage everyone, who lives in Southern California, to register and participate in this unique event!
The ShakeOut Scenario earthquake and projected damages will be used as a basis for public drills and emergency response exercises and so far a very large number of individuals, businesses, schools and organizations have already signed up to be part of this. I know, earthquakes cannot be prevented and – as of now – not be predicted precisely, BUT everyone can do something to be as prepared as possible.
Everyone who lives in an earthquake-prone area should definitely get Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country, a handbook about earthquake science and preparedness.
You can request a free copy from the website or read it online.
Besides learning about faults in California that cause the earthquakes, they give you hand-on tips on what you can do personally:
I guess, I am on a mission here, ha!
But all I can say is:Â Better be safe than sorry!
Maribeth
August 5, 2008 at 4:02 pmNope. Just couldn’t live in a hot spot like that. I’m happy here in New Hampshire where we hardly have any earth quakes. I mean like hardly ever.
katelin
August 5, 2008 at 4:02 pmi saw the site for that, i’ll definitely a take a look into their tips. can’t be too careful :)
ilka
August 6, 2008 at 6:34 amthankfully we don’t have to worry about that, so far. who knows what the future will bring. i remember we had an earthquake in the ruhrarea when i was visiting a friend in waltrop when i was 16 and i thought that was really scary.
Tanja
August 6, 2008 at 7:46 pmI have already a fireresisdent Box with all the important paper and money inside. The Earthquake last week was pretty scary and I try to prepare myself a little bit. There is allways a snake in paradise!