An earthquake is the sudden movement of the earth's crust, created by the release of built-up stress
that has accumulated along geologic faults in the earth. Earthquakes can also be caused by movement of magma and other volcanic activity. There are geographical areas that are susceptible to earthquake activity due to their proximity to these faults, particularly in California.
To survive an earthquake in one of these areas, you should acquaint yourself with the causes and preparedness in the event of an earthquake disaster. You need to prepare for earthquake today!
Physical Properties: Fractures in the earth's crust in which sections of rock have slipped past each other are called faults. The release of energy is in the form of low-frequency sound waves called seismic waves.
The seismic focus is the point where the earthquake originates. Directly above it, on planet's surface, is the epicenter.
Three types of waves that accompany earthquakes:
- Primary (P) waves have a "push/pull" vibration.
- Secondary (S) waves have a "side-to-side" vibration.
- Surface (L) waves, named after the nineteenth-century British mathematician A.E.H. Love, travel along the surface of the planet's surface, and cause the major damage in an earthquake.
Note: P and S waves travel deep into planet, and reflect off the surfaces of its various geologic layers. S waves are unable to penetrate the liquid outer core of the planet
The sum total of the energy released by an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale. The Richter scale is as follows: Each increase by a factor of one corresponds to a 10X increase in the strength of a quake. Those above a factor of seven on the Richter scale are considered to be severe earthquakes.
Prepare for an earthquake disaster:
Securing possible hazards: Education and elimination of hazards throughout your home or business reduces the risk of injury or death following an earthquake. Conducting a hunt for these hazards to identify and fix such items as unsecured televisions, heavy furniture, and unsecured water heaters will protect you proactively.
Develop a plan of action: Planning in advance of a possible earthquake is the same as planning any event, such as a vacation. Emergency planning includes the evacuation and reunion detail, contains your out-of-state contact's name and phone numbers, states the location of your emergency supplies, and pertinent information.
Purchase disaster kits: Disaster supplies should be purchased and stored in readily accessible locations at home, work, and in your motor vehicle. This can reduce the impact of an earthquake on you and your family. Disaster supply kits should include: food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, and a fire extinguisher.
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