The recent swarm of small earthquakes, followed by Tuesday
’s 6.0-magnitude temblor centered in the Central Coast should
prod even the most reluctant among us into becoming more earthquake
proof.
The recent swarm of small earthquakes, followed by Tuesday’s 6.0-magnitude temblor centered in the Central Coast should prod even the most reluctant among us into becoming more earthquake proof.
Scanning a wider geographic region, seismic activity has been on the upswing in the so-called Pacific “ring of fire,” with reports of seismic and volcanic activity in Washington State near Mount Saint Helens, in the Hawaiian Islands, in Bali and Japan in recent weeks, among others.
Of course, there are the usual warnings for homeowners that bear repeating here:
But homeowners aren’t the only ones who need to be earthquake ready.
Property owners, especially those who own historic buildings built before modern seismic codes, owe it to the community to make sure their buildings are safe as well.
We know seismic retrofits can be expensive and disruptive. But as last December’s quake in Paso Robles showed, unsound buildings can be deadly. We call upon local officials to make it more painful for building owners to be out of compliance than in compliance. That means inspections and citations enforcing current laws. It might also mean stiffening penalties so that the cost for being out of compliance with seismic safety rules is higher than the cost of being in compliance.
We’ve had numerous wake-up calls – big and small, nearby and far flung – over the last few months. Let’s make sure South Valley is ready when a big quake, capable of inflicting damage and injury, hits our region. It’s just a matter of time. We have a duty to minimize the destruction the “big one” causes when it comes.
Let’s heed the warnings.
Earthquake Safety
• Prepare and maintain an earthquake kit. It should include a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags and a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
• Bolt bookcases and other tall furniture to the walls and install latches on cupboards.
• Strap your water heater securely to wall studs.
• Practice the “drop, cover and hold on” technique and use it during a quake. Find a safe place in every room – such as under a sturdy table – where you can “drop, cover and hold” on without fear of anything falling on you during a temblor.
• Know how to shut off your gas, water and electricity is key. Know how to use your fire extinguisher to put out small fires.
• Conducting earthquake drills with your family is also a valuable preparation tool. Make sure everyone knows which areas in the room are safest. This may be underneath a table or against a wall. Stay away from windows, fireplaces, and tall furniture.
• Be sure to decide where your family will reunite if they are separated. Choose a friend or relative you can call after a quake to let them know your location and condition. Phone lines are often overloaded or damaged in an earthquake and specifying one point of contact for your entire family will help alleviate strain on the system.
• Visiting your local hardware store and spending a few dollars for childproof latches for you cabinets is also a valuable investment. It my be an annoyance initially, but those latches could prevent cabinets from flying open in a quake and keep precious belongings from breaking.
