By: Mili Bhatnagar
It was an abrupt trembling; a warning of something much more threatening that could be coming.
An estimated 9.8 million people felt a magnitude 4.4 earthquake that rolled across the Bay Area early morning on Jan. 4, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s reports. The epicenter of this earthquake was located in the areas running along the Hayward Fault, one which could produce a quake with a magnitude 7 or greater. This fault has long been a seismic hazard—triggering the 1989 Loma Prieta and the 1907 San Francisco earthquakes.
However, this was not the only quake to hit the Bay Area—there have been a number of perceptible earthquakes this January, with USGS estimating the total to be 26.
These include a 3.0 magnitude temblor 14 miles from San Jose on the seventeenth, and back to back quakes measuring 3.9 and 2.7 near Interlaken, a town between Gilroy and Watsonville, on the twenty-third. The most recent earthquake, one measuring 2.9 magnitude, was felt near San Jose on Jan. 26.
Although these quakes were comparatively small, it leads us to wonder when the next big California earthquake will occur. Especially with magnitude 5.0 earthquakes taking place just up north in Humboldt County.
The Uniform California earthquake rupture forecast version 3 (UCERF3) is a 2013 published report by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) which estimates the likelihood of potentially damaging earthquakes in the state. According to the report, the chances of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurring in the state in the next thirty years are 93 percent. The most likely source of such earthquakes will be the Hayward-Rodgers Creek Fault.
The earthquake has certainly functioned as a reminder for Bay Area residents to be prepared, come a disaster.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross provide thorough guidelines and a checklist to follow before, during, and after an earthquake.
Before an earthquake, create an earthquake kit to ensure that you have stored enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. These may include provisions such as non-perishable food items, water, medication, hygiene products, blankets, clothes, etc. Practicing proper “drop, cover, and hold on” techniques is critical, and helps foster quick reactions that are imperative during quakes. Actions before an earthquake to secure or remove items that can fall or become projectiles should be a priority to create spaces, as well as identifying windows or other heavy objects that could fall on you. Additionally, have a concrete communication plan that will form clarity on matters such as where to seek shelter and where to meet after an earthquake.
During an earthquake, if you are inside, drop and cover and do not proceed to move outdoors until the shaking has completely stopped in order to protect yourself from falling debris.The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. If you are in bed, use pillows to shield your head and do not move; it will be more difficult to avoid hazards and debris at night. When in a vehicle, stop it as quickly and safely as you can—while avoiding buildings, overpasses, telephone poles—and stay in the vehicle.
When the shaking stops, look around. If the building is damaged and there is a clear path to safety, leave the building and go to an open space away from damaged areas. If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Check for injuries and be prepared for aftershocks.
For more information, visit: https://www.fema.gov/earthquake–safety–home or http://www.redcross.org/get–help/how–to–prepare–for–emergencies#About