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EARTHQUAKES: Are you prepared?

19 January 2010

As we all know, there have been a lot of earthquakes throughout our state. On Saturday afternoon, January 9, 2010, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake took place in the coastal area of Northern California. Five aftershocks followed within the next two hours, the strongest measuring 3.8. This was followed by a series of more than 15 aftershocks, with the strongest at a magnitude of 4.5. Power lines snapped, and chimneys and traffic signals came crashing down. At some houses and businesses windows broke, shelves were emptied, and there were cases reported of bricks falling off of unreinforced buildings.

Remember, when an earthquake strikes, the main cause of injury is unsecured heavy objects toppling over. Therefore, being prepared is your best defense against earthquakes. Earthquake preparedness means securing furniture, breakables and water heaters. Secure your household contents with state-of-the-art earthquake safety products. Again, it's easy, inexpensive, and the best way to ensure your family's safety. Office safety is just as important as safety in your home. Make sure that all office equipment is secured to prevent accidents during an earthquake. Don't leave it to chance - be prepared and stay safe. And of course, assemble a survival kit and have an emergency plan.

Below are listed a few good websites for you to learn more about earthquake preparedness. Let’s all make 2010 the year we get prepared! In fact, join the Apple Valley CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and learn more about disaster preparedness to help you, your family and your community.

Ready

CalEMA (California Emergency Managment Agency)

The Great California SHAKEOUT

CERT

USGS Earthquakes

Article by Laura Whitehead, ESO, with excerpts from Gunnar Kuepper, IAEM Region IX President.