OK internets, time to be edumakated. 1. Nothing is happening currently that hasnt been happening for the past 4.5 billion years. The major difference from today and last week is that a fault in a densely populated area of Southern California decided to get all frictiony. There has been a slight uptick in earthquakes in the area in general, but this is a pretty common occurrence as earthquake activity tends to ebb and flow every 15-25 years. As many of you know, in California, weve had a fairly dormant period for the past 20 years or so. 2. There is absolutely NO CHANCE California will fall into the ocean. The two tectonic plates that form the San Andreas fault move in a lateral motion. The West plate moves North in comparison to the East plate. So, over time, Los Angeles and San Francisco may become neighbors but nothing could break off and float into the Pacific. That is impossible. 3. The earth cannot open up and swallow anything then close. That is not how plate tectonics work. Now, there is a possibility that sinkholes can be created but that is still going to leave a pit and technically the sinkhole would be caused by other factors. Additionally, a sinkhole would not close, it would just stay open. It takes hundreds of years for the earth to move any sizable distance. So, it just doesnt have the capabilities to open and close at will. 4. DO NOT STAND IN THE DOORWAY!!! You should NOT attempt to move during an earthquake. If you must, the safest thing to do is fall to the floor and crawl. Find a sturdy table to take cover under. STOP, DROP and HOLD, is the rule. Instinct may tell you to go get your little ones, this can be a bad idea as well since you could end up being seriously injured during the quake and be unable to help or save them afterward. You should educate your children how to stay safe in an earthquake - again STOP, DROP and HOLD. Quick Edit from Robyn: Studies now show that you should not crawl under the tables, but rather the oblique, the 45 degree angle next to the table, so that when the ceiling falls, it forms a tent with the edge of the table, and avoids pancaking you under the table. 5. Preparation is key. The most important thing to do if you have small children is ensure that where they sleep and where they play are earthquake safe. Make sure you secure heavy objects that may be above their head level. Have an emergency kit in EVERY ROOM OF YOUR HOME! Make sure the kit has at least 3 days of water (1g per person per day). When you are out and about, be sure to know the emergency exits. It is a simple task to identify how you could exit a restaurant when you are seated. You never know. This is my public service for the interweb. Now, I hope people will stop saying ignorant things. #YoureWelcome
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 23:04:37 +0000
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