#18,908
The third Thursday in October (this year, Oct 16th) is International Shakeout Day, when dozens of American states and territories - and many countries around the world - practice earthquake safety.
From the Shakeout.org website:
This year's International ShakeOut Day is October 16, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!
At 10:16 a.m. (local time) on 10/16, you can join millions of people across the world practicing earthquake safety.
While we encourage participation with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing.
While the United States has enjoyed a bit of an earthquake drought the past century, all droughts eventually end.
Not quite 2 years ago the USGS unveiled a new seismic risk map (see below), increasing the percentage of Americans at risk of experiencing a damaging earthquake to nearly 75% (roughly 240 million people).
Additionally, there are nearly a dozen `very high risk' volcanoes in the continental US (4 in Washington, 4 in Oregon & 3 in California), along dozens of `lesser' threats. While earthquake damage is generally localized, volcanic eruptions can affect property and populations thousands of miles away.
When it comes to seismic activity, much of Europe is vulnerable as well. Below you’ll find the 2013 SHARE (Seismic Hazard Harmonization in Europe) seismic hazard map.
In 2011, in A Look At Europe’s Seismic Risks, we reviewed some of the most devastating earthquakes to strike Europe over the past 700 years, including the quake that leveled the Swiss town of Basel in 1356 and the horrific earthquake and tsunami that struck Portugal in 1755 on November 1st (All Saint’s Day).
In 2011, in A Look At Europe’s Seismic Risks, we reviewed some of the most devastating earthquakes to strike Europe over the past 700 years, including the quake that leveled the Swiss town of Basel in 1356 and the horrific earthquake and tsunami that struck Portugal in 1755 on November 1st (All Saint’s Day).
While I don't have to worry much about earthquakes where I live (I make up for it with hurricanes), I put high value in being prepared for natural disasters, and I strongly urge other to do so as well.If you live in, work in, or ever plan to visit a seismically active area, I strongly would urge you, your family, and your employees take part in these yearly drills.
After the shaking stops, you'll have to find ways to cope with the aftermath.
While the government will send help, you could find yourself pretty much on your own for several days and living in less than comfortable conditions for weeks.
For starters - and as a bare minimum - every household should have a disaster plan, a good first aid kit (and the knowledge to use it), an emergency battery operated NWS weather radio, and emergency supplies to last a minimum of 72 hours during a disaster.
While 72 hours is an admirable start, I wouldn't feel comfortable stopping there. Here in the United States many agencies and organizations recommend that households work towards having a 10-to-14 day supply of food, water, and emergency supplies on hand.
For more on earthquake preparedness, both here in the United States, and around the world, you may wish to revisit:
