UCSG Unveils Chilling Disaster Earthquake Scenario for Southern California; Experts Urge Immediate Earthquake Preparedness Measures

With chilling descriptions and conclusions, the USGS finally released its Disaster Earthquake Scenario for Southern California. The report in its complete form is a 312 page breakdown by the world's leading geologic, economic, health, and safety experts on exactly what damage a 7.8 earthquake would do to Southern California. For comparison sake, this would be about equal to the devastating earthquake that hit China's Sichuan province last Monday. Although California building codes and emergency response resources may be greater than China, but a quick read over the bullet points of the Disaster Earthquake Scenario and you will quickly realize that there is no time to waste in making absolutely sure that you take the earthquake preparedness measures necessary for you are your loved ones.

The report describes exactly what earthquake damage Southern Californians could expect from the "Big One" occurring on the region's notorious San Andreas fault; and the news is not good. According to the report, 10 million people will be exposed to intense shaking and at minimum it "would kill 1,800 people, injure 50,000, cause $200 billion in damage, and have long-lasting social and economic consequences." Shaking would last around 55 seconds; that's 8 times longer than in the area's 1994 Northridge earthquake. The report goes on to detail how a vast majority of buildings will suffer structural damage along with major freeway overpasses. Hospitals will be running at 25% capacity and overrun by critically injured victims. Utilities will be unavailable with some areas having no drinkable water for up to 6 months.

Okay, so the report is grim. But, the good news is the a lot of the potential devastation is preventable by taking the necessary earthquake preparedness measures. For starters, make sure you have earthquake kits and all the recommended earthquake supplies you will need to survive on your own after evacuating your building. At a bare minimum, you need a 3 day supply of emergency food and water but we recommend at la 2 week supply. As electricity will be unavailable for a long time, you'll need emergency lights like flashlights...but don't rely on ones that use batteries. We offer a wide selection of emergency lights that use alternative power sources so that they'll always be ready and last when you need them most.

By Michael Bartholomew
QuakeKare Press
May 22nd 2008

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