I've lived in the greater Los Angeles area since I was 4 years old. I lived through the Northridge earthquake of '94, that was the biggest natural disaster to hit US soil until Hurricane Katrina. It's because of this memory that everytime we have a small tremor, I worry that it's just the prelude to something more. Seems like I'm not the only one who thinks this, and now there's a study to back it up.
Is the "Big One" coming?
Luckily, technology and architecture has greatly improved since 1994. These small tremors could serve as a good warning system, allowing evacuations to start early enough for people to get out of those areas most in danger. Also, all buildings have been brought up to a new code, so they can better handle the shaking of the earth.
We can all do our best to be prepared too, by knowing earthquake safety.
1. During an earthquake, the safest places to be are under a table or in a door frame. Make sure you stay away from windows or mirrors as they may shatter.
2. If you are inside, do not go outside of the building. The windows may blow out or tree branches could fall.
3. Have an earthquake emergency kit: flashlight, space blanket, water, and maybe even some dehydrated food. Actually, here's a complete list of what to put in your kit: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/earthquakes/archive/ready.dtl
in CA, earthquakes are really the only natural disaster we have to worry about. So be prepared! (That's the girl scout in me showing...)
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