SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL….
APRIL IS CALIFORNIA
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS MONTH!

We tend to think of our earth as ‘solid ground,’ but its crust is really a series of plates edged again each other, the whole resting like a cracked egg shell on a liquid core of molten and semi-molten magma. From the beginning of time great forces and pressures within the earth have constantly broken, folded, and moved these plates about.

A large earthquake is one of nature’s most devastating phenomena. The energy released by an earthquake of 8.5 magnitude on the Richter scale is equivalent to 12,000 times the energy released by the Hiroshima atomic bomb.

Several million earthquakes occur annually throughout the world. They range from barely perceptible tremors to catastrophic shocks. In California, where the ground is always moving, we average one earthquake every 3 minutes. These quakes are usually so small, and Californians are so used to this continual ground vibration, that we barely notice them, if at all.

In addition to damage to buildings from ground shake, earthquakes can cause failures in utility services by rupturing power grids, overhead wires, and pipelines. With interruption of power, communications and water services, emergency response is slowed tremendously.

The loss of life in the United States has been relatively light, considering the number of destructive earthquakes that have occurred. This is explained partially by better than usual construction practices, but more by lucky circumstances, such as people being in relatively safe places at the time of an earthquake.

The actual earth movement of an earthquake is seldom a direct cause of death or injury. However, this movement causes the collapse of buildings and other structures. Most casualties result from (1) falling bricks and plaster; (2) splintering glass; (3) toppling furniture, collapsing walls, falling pictures and mirrors; (4) rock slides on mountains and hillsides; (5) fallen power lines; (6) sea waves generated by earthquakes; and (7) fire caused by broken gas lines and spillage of gasoline and other flammables.

Although we cannot prevent earthquakes from happening, and we can’t yet accurately predict when another earthquake will hit, we know that preparation before an earthquake can save lives and help protect property.

PEOPLE DON’T PLAN TO FAIL…
THEY FAIL TO PLAN!

Much of earthquake preparedness is common sense and good housekeeping. It doesn’t take a lot of money or extraordinary measures to get ready for the next ‘big’ one. As we say in California, it’s ‘when’, not ‘if’!

Take a few minutes this month to help yourself and your family.

Next month—why not visit the Lawndale Community Health & Safety Fiesta at the Civic Center Plaza on May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for more ideas and information on safety and preparedness.

BE AWARE – PREPARE!