WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016
After deadly earthquakes hit Japan and Ecuador just 2 day's apart, many people are concerned that Southern California is overdue for another major quake.
Here are some thoughts about the threat and some ideas about preparedness.
Earthquakes happen all the time. In the last 20 years, California has experienced 1,172 earthquakes with a magnitude 4—or greater, including the 2014 magnitude 6 South Napa quake.
Some of the world’s most damaging earthquakes have occurred on previously unknown faults, such as 1994’s Northridge earthquake.As the 1989 magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake
near San Francisco proved, major earthquake damage can occur more than 60 miles from the fault and epicenter.Southern California Coast
Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange
Southern Californians know this is earthquake country, but many of us have not recently experienced a damaging earthquake.
Many of the mountains, and some of the valleys, in Southern California were formed by the San Andreas fault.
- The San Andreas is the longest fault in California, slicing through Los Angeles County along the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains.
- It can cause the most powerful earthquakes our area can experience – as big as magnitude 8.
- There are over a hundred smaller active faults in the region that can cause damaging earthquakes like the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
- Coastal areas are also at risk of tsunamis, generated from earthquakes either on local faults or across the Pacific.
Life After a Big Quake
Damaging earthquakes will disrupt services like electricity, water and sewer, and may limit access in and out of the region.
- Fire and police departments will be dealing with the most serious situations and may be unable to respond quickly to issues in your community.
- Government assistance may not be available or may not be enough to replace your damaged belongings or repair your home.
- Taking steps now will give you confidence that you and your family are prepared to stay safe where the earth shakes.
Seven Steps to EarthQuake Safety
1. Secure Your Space
Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable item.
2. Plan to be Safe
Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency
3. Organize Disaster Supplies
Organize disaster supplies in a convenient location
4. Minimize Financial Hardship
Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property and
be sure to consider earthquake insurance no matter whether you own your own home or rent.
5. Drop, Cover and Hold On
Drop cover and hold on when the earth shakes.
6. Improve Safety
Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured and preventing
further damage.
7. Reconnect and Restore
Restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage and rebuilding community.
If you would like to learn more about how to protect your home and investment through a comprehensive
earthquake policy please give us a call.
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Posted 5:15 PM
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