earthquake jitters

[spamfriedrice]

in the last few weeks the san fernando valley (just north of me) has experienced a couple of minor earthquakes.  with the massive quake in peru and a few others in alaska and japan lately, npr and other news sources are talking "earthquake".

what do i do in an earthquake??

Comments

your guide to seismic disturbances

[space_mike]

ok two things to think about:

an earthquake is a rare chance to see WAVES IN THE PAVEMENT. go outside and try to see this. it's like you're on the ground yet you're surfing. i've never seen it but i want to. these are caused by seismic "s-waves," which can only pass through solids. =p

also, the key to survival is escaping death. just identify your main threats. depending on conditions, you may need to respond to different threats...

breaking glass: duck and cover your head and neck if no shelter is available. building collapse or spilling shelves: take shelter from falling debris under thick furniture or a doorway or fireplace. outside: be wary of falling power lines or broken glass; run away from powerlines first then duck and cover for breaking glass. bridges: pray. in a mine: pray. in an airplane: order cocktails or wine.

Re: your guide to seismic disturbances

[spamfriedrice]

i hope i'm on a plane if this happens. don't see myself in a mine. thanks for the tips.

[kalimbablue]

asked like a true california transplant! =)

if you're at your crib, i would say go under a sturdy doorway. some places i would say go outdoors to a wide-open space. but if i remember correctly, your street is rather congested with plenty of powerlines. now, this is of course all in the event of a major quake. the little ones, don't sweat it. definitely keep a supply of bottled water and a flashlight handy.

most of the time, i don't sweat it. i know cali is earthquake country, but i figure if the big one hits there isn't a whole lot i can do anyway. it's not like i walk around with a case of water and a maglight in my back pocket, know what i mean?

[spamfriedrice]

yea... not like i can prep for these things like i prepped for blizzards. jeez. crazy crap.

[smbessie]

hahaha welcome to california east coast girl, earthquake country.

Know how to real gas level moniter in your home, during the northridge earthquake there were tons of natural gas leaks. Also have nice locks on your doors and windows because lots of looting tends to happen. Other than that, flashlights, water, toliet paper, food, and lots of homeowner's insurance.