GET READY TO SHAKE
Today is the anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, one of the deadliest in California history. Thursday is International ShakeOut Day, so here are a few quake related things to consider.
We know we are prone to large earthquakes, we just don’t know when — so preparation is key to dealing with the disaster when it comes. In 2020, 6.5 million Californians participated in the ShakeOut by doing drills to prepare for a major magnitude temblor.
Remembering Loma Prieta
On Oct. 17, 1989, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Bay Area. The Loma Prieta earthquake was broadcast live into living rooms across the nation just before a scheduled World Series game. The quake lasted about 15 seconds and the epicenter was along a segment of the San Andreas Fault 11 miles beneath Loma Prieta peak in the Santa Cruz mountains, 60 miles south of San Francisco. Geologists later said the fault there slipped as much as 7 feet.
In total, 63 people were killed and 3,757 injured. More than 28,000 structures were damaged — a property loss of $6 billion to $10 billion.
The ShakeOut began in California in 2008 and has grown into an international program. The first lesson in preparation is “Drop, Cover and Hold on,” but here are a few other things to prepare for:
Learn to use a fire extinguisher. Put together an emergency supplies kit. Know how to shut off utilities.
Establish local and out-of-area emergency contacts. Participate in first-aid classes or community response team trainings.
GAS: If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas using the outside main valve, if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.
Caution: If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself. WATER: Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is vital that all household members learn how to shut off the water at the main house valve. ELECTRICITY: Locate you electrical circuit box. For your safety, always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit. Forget about the doorway.
Over the years, methods of safety during an earthquake have changed and you might need to update your plan. More tips at ShakeOut.org.
OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW
1. Garage: Strap water heater to wall. If water heater falls during quake, it could cause a fire or you could lose an emergency water source. Store caustic and flammable liquids such as gas cans, paint thinners and weed killers in lower, childproof cabinets. Know how to manually open electric garage doors. 3. Dining room: Secure decorative pieces with floral clay or museum wax. Install locks on cabinet doors.
4. Living room: Secure large paintings and bookshelves to walls. Secure TV.
5. Bedrooms: Move beds if they are under windows. Do not hang paintings or other heavy objects over headboard. Make sure ceiling fan is securely bolted to a rafter. If an earthquake hits while you’re in bed, stay there and cover head with a pillow.
6. Bathroom: Store flammable items like nail polish on lower shelves. After a quake, fill tubs and sinks with water for emergencies, especially if you have to leave without your pets.