The de facto response to the earthquake vs. hurricane (which would you prefer?) question, always depends upon where that person lives. “We have [blank] and we know what to expect.”

Well, it’s not that simple. West doesn’t equal earthquake and east doesn’t equal hurricane, or at least that’s not all they equal. South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford declared November 4-10 as Earthquake Awareness Week in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is sponsoring the week to remind people that earthquakes pose a significant threat to South Carolina year-round, and citizens need to take proper precautions.

A highlight of the week will be the annual statewide earthquake drill. State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex is encouraging schools statewide to participate. In addition to schools, many nursing homes, hospitals, county and municipal agencies, amateur radio operators, and others also are expected to take part. COLUMBIA, SC (WIS)

The 1886 South Carolina earthquake has been equated to a Katrina-sized disaster. Amazing isn’t it?

Well, adding “earthquake” to the preparedness checklist involves a change of mindset. It means setting aside the luxury of advanced notice. Remember the “which would you prefer” question? Those that have traditionally prepared for hurricanes would argue that while hurricanes tend to come around frequently, at least you know they are coming.

There aren’t any media channels plotting the arrival of an earthquake or prompting you to fill the gas tank in your car, put away supplies or evacuate. The earthquake announcement comes in the form of the disaster in progress.

To incorporate earthquake preparedness into our emergency preparedness plan, we need to change our preparedness mentality from ‘predictable seasonal threat’ to ‘ongoing active state of potential emergency.’

Consider that where you are at any given moment could be your location when a disaster strikes. …meaning, if you have assembled all of your supplies at home, that is where they will be. Where will you be? Preparedness supplies should be stored at the office, in the car and with your children at school. Make your emergency plans with your daily routine in mind.

by Applied Vitals, a preparedness company

By Julie Sevrens Lyons: Mercury News

Studying layers of soil in a trench they dug near the Fremont BART station, geologists recently made a startling discovery: The Hayward Fault has had a big earthquake roughly every 140 years, on average, since 1315.

And this Sunday marks year 139.

Calling the fault a “tectonic time bomb,” scientists Wednesday urged Bay Area residents to put together an earthquake plan, stockpile supplies Continue Reading »

By Adam Satariano and Marc Perrier

Nov. 1 (Bloomberg) — San Franciscans shaken by the earthquake two days ago are even more unnerved by seismologists’ warning that they should be ready for a bigger temblor soon.

“I’m leaving town this Friday, and that makes me happy,” said resident Michelle Clemensen, who works for a hedge fund. “I’m not prepared in any way for an earthquake.”

The 5.6-magnitude earthquake that rattled the Bay Area significantly increased the likelihood of another damaging seismic shift in the next few days, a panel of scientists said yesterday. The quake broke windows and tossed items from shelves in San Jose but didn’t cause major damage. It was centered near the junction of the Calaveras and Hayward faults, making them more prone to shift soon.

The Hayward fault, which runs under heavily populated Richmond, Oakland and Berkeley, is due. The fault has shifted about every 140 years, seismologists said. Its last big quake, 139 years ago, was estimated at magnitude 7, leveled buildings and killed 30 people.

“We’re pretty sure it’s ready: It could be tomorrow Continue Reading »