Earthquake Preparedness

Christopher Tan 58695014

August 2014

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS 1
Abstract
California is a hotspot for seismic activity. Every day there are hundreds of minor earthquakes
all over the state and historical trends predict that a major one will strike the Southern California
region within the coming decades, resulting in thousands of deaths and billions of dollars worth
of damage. Many Californians, while aware of this prediction, are at best unprepared for such an
event. To remedy this, this document aims to inform readers about the most critical aspects of
emergency earthquake preparations. It provides insight into the hazards that arise in such a
situation as well as practical solutions for addressing them, arranged chronologically from
before, during, and after an earthquake. These are recommendations which, when implemented
properly, should increase the likelihood of survival.

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There is a reason that California is dubbed earthquake country: it is absolutely riddled with
fault lines. Every day there are hundreds of minor earthquakes all over the statemany of which
cannot be feltbut that does not mean that the potential for an extremely powerful one can be
ignored. Consider the effects of the last significant earthquake in Northridge, CA: the magnitude
6.7 disaster left sixty people dead and approximately 125,000 others without homes (Wells,
2014). Even further, consider the effects of the 1906 San Francisco, CA earthquake that
essentially demolished the entire city. Knowledge of the potential consequences of such disasters
would presumably convince Californians to adequately prepare themselves, yet it is alarmingly
evident that this is not the case. This document aims to highlight the importance of making
preparations by providing information regarding the general hazards of earthquakes and the
methods by which to best anticipate and prepare for them. A background on Californias
earthquake situation will first be given, followed by an analysis of the potential dangers of
quakes and the precautions they require.
Earthquake Country
California sits directly along the intersection of the Pacific and North American tectonic
plates. Because the two plates are constantly shifting against and subducting into one another,
there are incredible mechanical stresses accumulated along the faults in this region which, when
released suddenly, cause earthquakes (Jones, 2006, p. 27).

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS 3

Fig 1. A diagram of Californias fault line configuration. California Department of Conservation

As mentioned before, the last major earthquake catastrophe struck San Francisco, CA in
1906. Historical estimates pin its magnitude at about 7.8 on the Richter scale with a death toll
numbering around 3,000 along with over $520 million worth of property damage (Historic
Earthquakes, n.d.). The majority of this damage came from secondary sources such as fire.
Since this earthquake occurred well over one-hundred years ago, the long gap in seismic activity
has allowed stress and strain to again accumulate in the San Andreas Fault. It seems California is
long overdue for its next large earthquake.

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Current seismic prediction methods are limited in scope. It is known that Southern California
will receive a big earthquake within the coming decades, but exactly when and how strong it will
be are unknown. What can be anticipated, however, is that the earthquake will have a magnitude
of at least 6.7 and that there is a 99.7% chance of it occurring within the next thirty years (Jones,
2006, p. 6). A hypothetical study carried out by the United States Geological Survey and the
Southern California Earthquake Center predicts that there will be some 1,800 casualties along
with 53,000 injuries (Jones, 2006, p. 12). Beyond just the casualties, it is also predicted that
thousands of older buildings not built to modern codes will collapse, with many others becoming
complete economic losses (Jones, 2006, p. 12). In total, it is estimated that the total damage
will amount to $213 billion (Jones, 2006, p. 12).
Hazards & Preparedness
While the initial shocks of the earthquake will cause immediate damage, most of the
complications that arise will be from the secondary hazards that accompany it, much like during
the 1906 San Francisco quake. Some examples to note: tsunamis in coastal regions and fires
erupting from ruptured gas lines. In addition, there may also be significant infrastructure
blockages that prevent aid and supplies from getting where they need to be. Below is a table
outlining the differences services that may be compromised in the event of a major earthquake.
Table 1.
Utilities Affected by Earthquakes
Service
Power

Effect
Power will become unavailable with restoration times varying (may take up to weeks).

Water

Tap water will stop flowing for weeks or months. Repairing breaks in old pipes will be
costly and time-consuming.

Gas

Gas pipes to unbolted houses may sever and create fire hazards.

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Wastewater

Wastewater pipes may burst and contaminate tap water sources. This water may
become undrinkable for long periods of time.

Telecommunications

Phone service will be unavailable for up to a day due to damage and system clogging.
People will be trying to make phone calls. Internet lines will also be damaged.

Transportation

Roads and railways could be damaged during the initial shaking. Landslides and
structural failure will also prevent their usage. Roadway infrastructure delays will
result in economic losses as well.

Hospitals

Possibly operating at reduced functionality. There may also be crowding from victims
needing medical attention. Structural damage is also an issue.

Note: Information courtesy of Jones, 2006, p. 13

As can be seen, many of the essential utilities will become unavailable after the earthquake.
Resources like communication access, power, and water will become commodities. In order to
best ensure survival and reduce likelihood of injury without these services, there are steps one
can take to prepare for such an event.
The first of these steps is to secure ones premises. According to the Occupation Health and
Safety Administration, the most common injuries from earthquakes result from shattering glass
and falling objects during shaking (Earthquakes Guide, n.d.). This can be mitigated in a
number of ways here are some recommended precautions:
Table 2.
Securing Household Items
1. Hang plants in lightweight pots
far away from windows.

6. Keep heavy objects in low

cabinets.

11. Brace overhead light fixtures.

2. Install strong latches on

cabinets.

7. Hang decorations using closed

hooks.

12. Only place lightweight/soft items

over bed.

3. Use flexible connections where

gas lines meet appliances.

8. Keep heavy and unstable

objects away from exit routes.

13. Secure top-heavy furniture to studs.

4. Lock refrigerator wheels.

9. Place bed away from windows

or items that may fall.

14. Secure water heater with metal

straps attached to studs.

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5. Secure valuable electronics
such as computers and
televisions.

10. Secure small items with an

adhesive.

15. Trim hazardous tree limbs.

Note: Information courtesy of Jones, 2006, p. 15

Step two involves emergency preparations. The Southern California Earthquake Center
(SCEC) recommends having several emergency items in easy-to-access locations. These include:
an ABC-type1 fire extinguisher, multiple flashlights (especially near beds), gas line shutoff
wrenches, and emergency earthquake kits (Jones, 2006, p. 15). The SCEC also advises that
homeowners should be privy to certain information such as the location of the main circuit
breaker or whether or not the property is in a tsunami hazard zone. Family members or tenants
should also be familiar with any relevant evacuation plans.
Earthquake disaster kits are an essential part of emergency preparedness. Having multiple kits
in various placeshomes, cars, and work placesis highly recommended (Jones, 2006, p. 19).
Typical contents include medications, prescriptions, first-aid kits, gloves, dust masks, bottled
water, cash, personal identification, maps, emergency contacts, food, and toiletries. A home
disaster kit should have enough supplies to last anywhere between three days and two weeks. A
substantial backup supply of water is also necessary the USGS recommends at least a gallon
per person per day (Jones, 2006, p. 19). An average person can succumb to dehydration in just
one-hundred hours, according to Dr. Claude Piantadosi (Fox, 2013). Food is also crucial;
however, a person can last slightly longer without food than without water. Calorie-dense MREs2
and sealed or canned foods are ideal.

1
2

Suitable for waste/material fires, flammable liquid fires, and electrical equipment fires.
Meals Ready-to-Eat

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Finally, the last step in emergency preparedness is recognizing what to do when an
earthquake actually occurs. The recommended action is generally to stay in the same location
until the shaking subsides (Jones, 2006, p. 22). If indoors, find cover under a table away from
windows or heavy objects prone to falling. Do not attempt to go outside. Likewise, if outside, it
is advised that people remain outside and away from power lines and buildings.
After the shaking subsides, the last objective is to recover from the earthquake. This involves
administering the necessary first aid and searching for potential hazards, specifically in that
order. The typical first-aid kit should contain instructions on basic emergency care procedures.
Once all injuries are attended to, damage should be assessed. The SCEC places emphasis on
being wary of any fire hazards, gas leaks, electrical hazards, broken appliances, downed power
lines, and spills (Jones, 2006, p. 22). Once the property is deemed safe, actions can be taken to
return to normalcy.
Conclusion
The purpose of emergency earthquake preparation is to ensure the best chances of survival in
the event of a disaster. It is nowhere else so critical than in California, where tremors are a daily
occurrence and the threat of a major quake is so prevalent. Even worse is that so many
Californians are unprepared and blissfully unaware of the consequences should a major
earthquake strike. The procedures and recommendations given here are just some of the more
salient courses of action, yet should hopefully be an adequate guide to proper emergency
awareness.

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References
Earthquakes Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved August 20, 2014, from
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/earthquakes.html
Fox, M. (2013, May 10). Pulled from rubble after 16 days: Water secret to survival. Retrieved
August 20, 2014, from http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/pulled-rubble-after-16days-water-secret-survival-f1C9876099
Historic Earthquakes. (n.d.). Retrieved August 20, 2014, from
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1906_04_18.php
Jones, L. (2006). Putting down roots in earthquake country: Southern California (Spring 2006
ed.). Los Angeles, Calif.: Southern California Earthquake Center.
Wells, J. (2014, January 17). California is still not ready for the 'Big One' Retrieved August 20,
2014, from http://www.cnbc.com/id/101345966#.
[Untitled illustration of California faultlines]. Retrieved August 20, 2014 from
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/information/publications/teacher_features/pages/faults.aspx