EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS 1
Abstract
California is a hotspot for seismic activity. Every day there are hundreds of minor earthquakes
all over the state and historical trends predict that a major one will strike the Southern California
region within the coming decades, resulting in thousands of deaths and billions of dollars worth
of damage. Many Californians, while aware of this prediction, are at best unprepared for such an
event. To remedy this, this document aims to inform readers about the most critical aspects of
emergency earthquake preparations. It provides insight into the hazards that arise in such a
situation as well as practical solutions for addressing them, arranged chronologically from
before, during, and after an earthquake. These are recommendations which, when implemented
properly, should increase the likelihood of survival.
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There is a reason that California is dubbed earthquake country: it is absolutely riddled with
fault lines. Every day there are hundreds of minor earthquakes all over the statemany of which
cannot be feltbut that does not mean that the potential for an extremely powerful one can be
ignored. Consider the effects of the last significant earthquake in Northridge, CA: the magnitude
6.7 disaster left sixty people dead and approximately 125,000 others without homes (Wells,
2014). Even further, consider the effects of the 1906 San Francisco, CA earthquake that
essentially demolished the entire city. Knowledge of the potential consequences of such disasters
would presumably convince Californians to adequately prepare themselves, yet it is alarmingly
evident that this is not the case. This document aims to highlight the importance of making
preparations by providing information regarding the general hazards of earthquakes and the
methods by which to best anticipate and prepare for them. A background on Californias
earthquake situation will first be given, followed by an analysis of the potential dangers of
quakes and the precautions they require.
Earthquake Country
California sits directly along the intersection of the Pacific and North American tectonic
plates. Because the two plates are constantly shifting against and subducting into one another,
there are incredible mechanical stresses accumulated along the faults in this region which, when
released suddenly, cause earthquakes (Jones, 2006, p. 27).
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Current seismic prediction methods are limited in scope. It is known that Southern California
will receive a big earthquake within the coming decades, but exactly when and how strong it will
be are unknown. What can be anticipated, however, is that the earthquake will have a magnitude
of at least 6.7 and that there is a 99.7% chance of it occurring within the next thirty years (Jones,
2006, p. 6). A hypothetical study carried out by the United States Geological Survey and the
Southern California Earthquake Center predicts that there will be some 1,800 casualties along
with 53,000 injuries (Jones, 2006, p. 12). Beyond just the casualties, it is also predicted that
thousands of older buildings not built to modern codes will collapse, with many others becoming
complete economic losses (Jones, 2006, p. 12). In total, it is estimated that the total damage
will amount to $213 billion (Jones, 2006, p. 12).
Hazards & Preparedness
While the initial shocks of the earthquake will cause immediate damage, most of the
complications that arise will be from the secondary hazards that accompany it, much like during
the 1906 San Francisco quake. Some examples to note: tsunamis in coastal regions and fires
erupting from ruptured gas lines. In addition, there may also be significant infrastructure
blockages that prevent aid and supplies from getting where they need to be. Below is a table
outlining the differences services that may be compromised in the event of a major earthquake.
Table 1.
Utilities Affected by Earthquakes
Service
Power
Effect
Power will become unavailable with restoration times varying (may take up to weeks).
Water
Tap water will stop flowing for weeks or months. Repairing breaks in old pipes will be
costly and time-consuming.
Gas
Gas pipes to unbolted houses may sever and create fire hazards.
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Wastewater
Wastewater pipes may burst and contaminate tap water sources. This water may
become undrinkable for long periods of time.
Telecommunications
Phone service will be unavailable for up to a day due to damage and system clogging.
People will be trying to make phone calls. Internet lines will also be damaged.
Transportation
Roads and railways could be damaged during the initial shaking. Landslides and
structural failure will also prevent their usage. Roadway infrastructure delays will
result in economic losses as well.
Hospitals
Possibly operating at reduced functionality. There may also be crowding from victims
needing medical attention. Structural damage is also an issue.
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5. Secure valuable electronics
such as computers and
televisions.
1
2
Suitable for waste/material fires, flammable liquid fires, and electrical equipment fires.
Meals Ready-to-Eat
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Finally, the last step in emergency preparedness is recognizing what to do when an
earthquake actually occurs. The recommended action is generally to stay in the same location
until the shaking subsides (Jones, 2006, p. 22). If indoors, find cover under a table away from
windows or heavy objects prone to falling. Do not attempt to go outside. Likewise, if outside, it
is advised that people remain outside and away from power lines and buildings.
After the shaking subsides, the last objective is to recover from the earthquake. This involves
administering the necessary first aid and searching for potential hazards, specifically in that
order. The typical first-aid kit should contain instructions on basic emergency care procedures.
Once all injuries are attended to, damage should be assessed. The SCEC places emphasis on
being wary of any fire hazards, gas leaks, electrical hazards, broken appliances, downed power
lines, and spills (Jones, 2006, p. 22). Once the property is deemed safe, actions can be taken to
return to normalcy.
Conclusion
The purpose of emergency earthquake preparation is to ensure the best chances of survival in
the event of a disaster. It is nowhere else so critical than in California, where tremors are a daily
occurrence and the threat of a major quake is so prevalent. Even worse is that so many
Californians are unprepared and blissfully unaware of the consequences should a major
earthquake strike. The procedures and recommendations given here are just some of the more
salient courses of action, yet should hopefully be an adequate guide to proper emergency
awareness.
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References
Earthquakes Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved August 20, 2014, from
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/earthquakes.html
Fox, M. (2013, May 10). Pulled from rubble after 16 days: Water secret to survival. Retrieved
August 20, 2014, from http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/pulled-rubble-after-16days-water-secret-survival-f1C9876099
Historic Earthquakes. (n.d.). Retrieved August 20, 2014, from
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1906_04_18.php
Jones, L. (2006). Putting down roots in earthquake country: Southern California (Spring 2006
ed.). Los Angeles, Calif.: Southern California Earthquake Center.
Wells, J. (2014, January 17). California is still not ready for the 'Big One' Retrieved August 20,
2014, from http://www.cnbc.com/id/101345966#.
[Untitled illustration of California faultlines]. Retrieved August 20, 2014 from
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/information/publications/teacher_features/pages/faults.aspx