Okay, Folks, if you live in San Mateo County, the quake we all felt tonight was a precursor to The Big One. Are you ready? My bet is your answer is "no". This wasn't a test to see how you're doing. Earthquakes are real and they cause enormous damage to property and our nerves. So, what are you waiting for? What we do know is that more quakes are sure to come and it's so easy to be prepared if you take the time.
This quake was on the Calavaras Fault. It's been about 20 years since the last quake rattled the Bay Area from this fault. This certainly wasn't the quake we have all be expecting from the Hayward Fault, but it was strong enough at 5.6.
Take a look at the USGS chart below. The Big One we are all expecting would show red on the map instead of the yellow, which is a moderate quake. There was damage in the San Jose area. Take a look at your home. What can you do now to help prevent damage and injury in a quake of the future? Are you ready?
- Do you have food to last you and your family for 48 hours?
- Do you have water for drinking and washing?
- Do you have a plan in place if a quake were to hit during daytime hours and your family was scattered?
- Do you have a first aid kit ready for use?
- Do your cars have supplies in case you are stuck somewhere?
If you can not answer "Yes" to any of those questions then you are NOT prepared for the Big One, or for the next quake, even if it's not that 8.0 quake they are predicting. If you aren't lucky and are anywhere near the epicenter of a quake, believe me you will think it is an 8.0 quake even if it's not.
Be prepared. You and your family depend on it. You can buy supplies and kits at The Earthquake Store, the Earthquake Supply Center, Life Secure and many other places. I think these kits could be great holiday gifts for your family as it shows how much you love them and want them safe.
If you'd like more information about earthquakes the USGS has great data for you. Take the time to read through the data as it might save your life.
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