Earthquake emergency kits are likely to be found in the homes of forward-thinking Californians preparing for possible disasters. Some residents believe that disaster survival kits in their home and vehicles are as essential as smoke detectors or spare tires.
Two earthquakes were reported in San Diego on Saturday 8 May 2010 by CW News 6. The News 6 article, “ Two Earthquakes Shake San Diego,” reports that “Saturday's quakes are apparently two of the several thousand aftershocks to the Easter Sunday magnitude 7.2 quake, which killed two people in Mexicali and caused about $91 million on the U.S. side of the border.”
Frequent Earthquakes
The two quakes that occurred May 8 were estimated to be 4.8 and 4.7 magnitude according to the CW news report. The frequency of these earth shocks is a concern to some residents and the proximity of California to the San Andreas Fault is another reason for Californians’ concerns about the natural disaster.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) explains the significance of the San Andreas Fault thusly: “Scientists have learned that the Earth's crust is fractured into a series of "plates" that have been moving very slowly over the Earth's surface for millions of years. Two of these moving plates meet in western California; the boundary between them is the San Andreas Fault.” The plate farthest west of the boundary (the Pacific Plate) occasionally moves and causes “earthquakes along the fault.”
Earthquake Preparedness
California newscasts regularly feature reports about earthquake survival kits and disaster preparedness – often following events like the 7.2 magnitude quake of April 4, 2010. Almost every news report devoted to earthquakes in California mentions “the big one.”
A Google search for “big one, California” yields 43 million results. What is the big one? A cataclysmic inevitable quake; however, no one can determine when the "big one" will occur. Nonetheless, various agencies are making efforts to ensure public preparedness and awareness.
As early as November 13, 2008, Times magazine published an article “The ‘Big One’” written by Claire Suddath. The earthquake preparedness of the residents is noted, as Suddath writes, “California has strict building codes that are designed to prevent structures from collapse, and events like the Nov. 13 ShakeOut teach individuals what to do in an emergency.”
ShakeOut - Drop, Cover, and Hold On
ShakeOut is an event that occurs every year in California. The ShakeOut website explains that the purpose of the exercise is to give Californians an opportunity “to practice how to protect themselves during earthquakes, and to get prepared.”
The experts and rescuers involved with the annual ShakeOut advise “Drop, cover, and hold on” in response to tremors. The experts explain that a massive earthquake will cause the ground to shake violently, so dropping to the ground and staying on hands and knees is the most stable position.
The experts also recommend seeking cover underneath a table or desk (or near a wall furthest from windows and the outdoors if no other shelter is available) during a quake. The article “Protect Yourself During an Earthquake Drop, Cover, and Hold On!” warns that “The greatest danger is from falling and flying objects.” Thus cover is essential; the last recommendation is to “hold on.”
Earthquake Survival
The earthquake survivor is advised to hold on to his/her shelter or cover head and neck until the shaking stops. Because “building collapse is less of a danger” according to ShakeOut experts, it is usually safer to stay inside during a quake if an individual is inside when the event occurs.
Elex Michaelson delivered a CW News 6 television report on April 4, 2010 pertaining to the quake that occurred earlier in the day. Michaelson reported that “In the geology world they say that it’s not earthquakes that kill people, it’s buildings (flying debris, shards of glass) that kill people.” During his report, Michaelson observed that buildings constructed decades ago did not have to meet the same stringent requirements for earthquake resistance as recently constructed buildings, so older buildings without quake resistance suffered damage while newer buildings were unscathed.
Because many structures in California meet codes that mandate earthquake resistance, unless an individual is in a very old structure or in an undeveloped country without building codes, the experts recommend staying indoors during a quake; however, if one is outdoors when the episode begins he/she should remain outside. Movement during a major earthquake is difficult, hazardous, and not recommended.
Emergency Earthquake Supplies
The second facet of earthquake survival involves emergency kits. Because food, water, electricity and communication will likely be compromised during a major quake, individuals are advised to purchase disaster survival kits for home and car to increase chances of survival.
The San Francisco Chronicle article "Make Your Own Preparedness Kit" utilizes reference sources from the Red Cross to the Disaster Preparedness Handbook and recommends constructing a customized earthquake kit. A standard kit can be purchased and modified to suit individual needs.
An earthquake kit should include non-perishable food, one gallon of water per day per person (include pets), a first-aid kit supplemented with specific prescribed medications, tools and supplies such as flashlight, batteries, radio, pencil, paper and radio. The kit should also have sanitation items (toilet paper, Feminine hygiene products, handwash and so forth), important documents such as identification, credit cards...and clothing and bedding (rain gear, blankets). The article about making your own kit provides a more detailed listing.
October 21, 2010 is the date that the ShakeOut disaster preparedness event will take place in California for 2010. Californians are trying to prepare for the predicted “big one” to reduce possible casualties and damage and increases odds of earthquake survival. Experts recommend education, building codes, and earthquake kits as part of the statewide earthquake preparedness.
Marian Henderson - I was in the Marine Corps for 12 years, and after completing my last four-year enlistment, I became a Merchant Marine. I worked aboard ...
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