Friday 18 March 2011
Haiti Earthquake
By Kristy Snow
Magnitude of the Earthquake
The Haiti Earthquake was a 7.0 on the Richter logarithmic scale. There is no maximum size on the scale. In comparing the Haiti earthquake to those against history, the largest earthquake ever was in Chile with a 9.5 on the Richter scale. The most recent earthquake in San Francisco (1989 Loma Prieta) was also a 7.0 earthquake. The Resulting damage is more devastating in Haiti due to building style and the epicenter location.
How Many People Have Died
The death toll is, at this time, is unclear, but Haiti officials fear that there will be around 100,000 that will be killed from the earthquake. Some other officials estimate that the death toll will be in the 30-50 thousand range. This makes the Haiti Earthquake one of the most devastating in history.
According to the US Geological Survey, since 1990, there have been four earthquakes that have had death tolls over 50,000. The largest death toll, since 1990, was 227,898 off the west coast of Northern Sumatra. The Loma Prieta earthquake, in San Francisco (with similar magnitude), had a death toll of 63.
Haiti Building Styles Contribute to Death Toll
One of the least expensive ways to build a home is with concrete. And, the most likely way to die in an earthquake is from something heavy falling on you. Many of the buildings in Haiti are build of concrete. And, since the area is historically not earthquake prone, the buildings aren't built for the shaking. Many people have been trapped under concrete rubble.
Many volunteers are needed to go and find people that may be covered or trapped by building debris. It will take many days to go through all the building rubble.
Haiti Earthquake Epicenter
The epicenter of the Haiti Earthquake was only 6.2 miles deep and only 10 miles from the city of Port -Au- Prince. That may sound pretty deep, but as earthquakes go it is very shallow. Most earthquakes are thousands of miles deep and barely felt. The closer the earthquake is to the surface, the more damaging it will be. That means that two earthquakes with the same magnitude can have far different effects based on the epicenter and location in relation to the city.
The Cause of the Haiti Earthquake
The cause of the earthquake is the same as most earthquakes. The land masses are built on floating tectonic plates. In Haiti, the North American Plate and the Caribbean plates struck together along the
Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault System. The plates slip back and forth against each other in an east west direction. Seismologists call this a strike slip boundary. Some seismologists would call this a strike slip earthquake because the two plates are getting stuck or striking against each other and these plates would normally slip against each other at a rate of a few millimeters per year.
How to Help People in the Haiti Earthquake
Former president Bill Clinton says to give money to relief agencies. The reason is that sending supplies is difficult to do when the roads and infrastructure are broken. Sending supplies also requires a lot more manpower and logistical problems. Professional relief agencies like the Red Cross know what supplies are needed and where to get them quickly. What they need are funds to buy the supplies.
The United States and the World Bank have each contributed 100 million dollars to helping the people of Haiti. That is an impressive figure and the response to help these people has been swift.
Sadly, there are many relief agencies that pop up under these stressful times that are only scams. Please be careful and give support where the money will be used wisely. The people of Haiti need lots of support and help. Any donations to this cause will be greatly be appreciated by the victims. Many people need money to start a new life after losing everything.
How to Find People in the Haiti Earthquake
The most popular way to find people and stay in touch is through Facebook. Since telephone lines have been disrupted, survivors can go online and post to their families and friends that they are doing well. Facebook has been a real life saver during this crisis.
Another way to find people is to call the state department 1-888-407-4747. President Obama has encouraged Americans trying to locate family members to call this number.
Summary
Our heart and prayers go out to the people of Haiti. We hope that our aid reaches them quickly and that their pain can be minimized.
The Haiti Earthquake was a 7.0 on the Richter logarithmic scale. There is no maximum size on the scale. In comparing the Haiti earthquake to those against history, the largest earthquake ever was in Chile with a 9.5 on the Richter scale. The most recent earthquake in San Francisco (1989 Loma Prieta) was also a 7.0 earthquake. The Resulting damage is more devastating in Haiti due to building style and the epicenter location.
How Many People Have Died
The death toll is, at this time, is unclear, but Haiti officials fear that there will be around 100,000 that will be killed from the earthquake. Some other officials estimate that the death toll will be in the 30-50 thousand range. This makes the Haiti Earthquake one of the most devastating in history.
According to the US Geological Survey, since 1990, there have been four earthquakes that have had death tolls over 50,000. The largest death toll, since 1990, was 227,898 off the west coast of Northern Sumatra. The Loma Prieta earthquake, in San Francisco (with similar magnitude), had a death toll of 63.
Haiti Building Styles Contribute to Death Toll
One of the least expensive ways to build a home is with concrete. And, the most likely way to die in an earthquake is from something heavy falling on you. Many of the buildings in Haiti are build of concrete. And, since the area is historically not earthquake prone, the buildings aren't built for the shaking. Many people have been trapped under concrete rubble.
Many volunteers are needed to go and find people that may be covered or trapped by building debris. It will take many days to go through all the building rubble.
Haiti Earthquake Epicenter
The epicenter of the Haiti Earthquake was only 6.2 miles deep and only 10 miles from the city of Port -Au- Prince. That may sound pretty deep, but as earthquakes go it is very shallow. Most earthquakes are thousands of miles deep and barely felt. The closer the earthquake is to the surface, the more damaging it will be. That means that two earthquakes with the same magnitude can have far different effects based on the epicenter and location in relation to the city.
The Cause of the Haiti Earthquake
The cause of the earthquake is the same as most earthquakes. The land masses are built on floating tectonic plates. In Haiti, the North American Plate and the Caribbean plates struck together along the
Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault System. The plates slip back and forth against each other in an east west direction. Seismologists call this a strike slip boundary. Some seismologists would call this a strike slip earthquake because the two plates are getting stuck or striking against each other and these plates would normally slip against each other at a rate of a few millimeters per year.
How to Help People in the Haiti Earthquake
Former president Bill Clinton says to give money to relief agencies. The reason is that sending supplies is difficult to do when the roads and infrastructure are broken. Sending supplies also requires a lot more manpower and logistical problems. Professional relief agencies like the Red Cross know what supplies are needed and where to get them quickly. What they need are funds to buy the supplies.
The United States and the World Bank have each contributed 100 million dollars to helping the people of Haiti. That is an impressive figure and the response to help these people has been swift.
Sadly, there are many relief agencies that pop up under these stressful times that are only scams. Please be careful and give support where the money will be used wisely. The people of Haiti need lots of support and help. Any donations to this cause will be greatly be appreciated by the victims. Many people need money to start a new life after losing everything.
How to Find People in the Haiti Earthquake
The most popular way to find people and stay in touch is through Facebook. Since telephone lines have been disrupted, survivors can go online and post to their families and friends that they are doing well. Facebook has been a real life saver during this crisis.
Another way to find people is to call the state department 1-888-407-4747. President Obama has encouraged Americans trying to locate family members to call this number.
Summary
Our heart and prayers go out to the people of Haiti. We hope that our aid reaches them quickly and that their pain can be minimized.
For additional information about the Haiti earthquake, video footage, and earthquakes, in general, please visit Haiti Earthquake or you may also visit Earthquakes.
Bible Prophecy - Earthquake Initiates End Times Apocalypse - Understanding Revelation is Survival
By Richard Ruhling
The book of the apocalypse begins with John startled by "the sound of many waters," Revelation 1:15. John was called to be a prophet like Isaiah, whose description also included "the roaring of the sea...roaring like young lions." Isaiah 5:29,30 is the context for the earthquake. "The posts of the door moved...king Uzziah" (Isaiah 6:1,4) is the earthquake cited in Zechariah 14:5 ("earthquake...Uzziah").
The earthquake in Revelation 1 will separate "the things that [John] saw, and the things that are, and the things that shall be hereafter." Revelation 1:19. The earthquake is a watershed event. Revelation 1 is the past; Revelation 2,3 was present tense in John's time--"are the seven churches," and Revelation 4:1 introduces the future which is still future to us "things that must be hereafter" (after the earthquake). The earthquake in John's time was a type; our earthquake will be the antitype, when the scenes that John saw will be for real, not just prophetic.
The church at Laodicea was lukewarm with materialism. Christ wanted it hot or cold and said He would "knock." The city "was destroyed as also Colosse and Hierapolis, by an earthquake," Young's Analytical Concordance. That "knock" was an earthquake, also supported by the fact that the Hebrew word for knock, daphaq, includes a severe meaning, as used in Judges 19:22. History will repeat for us, also lukewarm with materialism.
In Revelation 4:7, the first creature by the throne is a lion. In Revelation 5:5, it is the Lion of Judah. In Revelation 6:1, when John hears thunder, it is the roar of the Lion of Judah. "The Lord also shall roar... and the heavens and earth shall shake." Joel 3:16. This earthquake initiates the seven seals beginning in Revelation 6:1, encoded as a "roar."
"Roar" (earthquake) is also seen preceding the seven thunders in Revelation 10:3. The seven trumpets are also preceded by an earthquake in Revelation 8:5,6. Paul reminds us, "the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes...But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. You are all the children of light...let us watch," 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6.
Christ says, "If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief," Revelation 3:3. "But know this, that if the goodman...had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up," Matt 24:43. Christians are like the goodman who doesn't know when to watch. The Greek word for watch is gregoreuo and it means to stay awake as in a vigil, Matt 26:38-40.
It is beginning to look like important events are occurring on the appointed times of biblical feast days. When congress met to approve $760 billion bailout, it was October 1, the eve of the thin crescent signaling the Feast of Trumpets in Leviticus 23:24. Trumpets blew for 10 days till the Day of Atonement, a type of Judgment Day. And every day for 10 days, world markets crashed in an unprecedented way.
Another example is the pope's visit to Jerusalem. Christ's warning in Matthew 24:15 was understood by early believers as referring to Rome. When Cestius brought the Romans, Christians fled and were spared the siege by Titus a few years later. The Roman Empire fell, but the Holy Roman Empire emerged, and in a first-ever visit by a pope, John Paul went to Jerusalem in 2000. Since then, Jerusalem has been "compassed with armies" of Palestinians and others hostile to Israel, a sign that "the desolation thereof is nigh," Luke 21:20.
When Titus sieged Jerusalem, Herod's Temple burned on the 10th day of the 5th Jewish month according to Josephus, the same date Solomon's Temple burned nearly 700 years earlier, Jeremiah 52:12,13. This year the 10th day of the 5th month is August 2, and many Jews will fast and pray in honor of their history, as suggested in Zechariah 7:3-7. In sympathy with those who are in affliction, the Bible suggests our watching and praying or we could have our house broken. "If you do not watch, I will come on you as a thief." Revelation 3:3. "Could you not watch one hour?" Matthew 26:38-40.
The earthquake in Revelation 1 will separate "the things that [John] saw, and the things that are, and the things that shall be hereafter." Revelation 1:19. The earthquake is a watershed event. Revelation 1 is the past; Revelation 2,3 was present tense in John's time--"are the seven churches," and Revelation 4:1 introduces the future which is still future to us "things that must be hereafter" (after the earthquake). The earthquake in John's time was a type; our earthquake will be the antitype, when the scenes that John saw will be for real, not just prophetic.
The church at Laodicea was lukewarm with materialism. Christ wanted it hot or cold and said He would "knock." The city "was destroyed as also Colosse and Hierapolis, by an earthquake," Young's Analytical Concordance. That "knock" was an earthquake, also supported by the fact that the Hebrew word for knock, daphaq, includes a severe meaning, as used in Judges 19:22. History will repeat for us, also lukewarm with materialism.
In Revelation 4:7, the first creature by the throne is a lion. In Revelation 5:5, it is the Lion of Judah. In Revelation 6:1, when John hears thunder, it is the roar of the Lion of Judah. "The Lord also shall roar... and the heavens and earth shall shake." Joel 3:16. This earthquake initiates the seven seals beginning in Revelation 6:1, encoded as a "roar."
"Roar" (earthquake) is also seen preceding the seven thunders in Revelation 10:3. The seven trumpets are also preceded by an earthquake in Revelation 8:5,6. Paul reminds us, "the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes...But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. You are all the children of light...let us watch," 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6.
Christ says, "If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief," Revelation 3:3. "But know this, that if the goodman...had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up," Matt 24:43. Christians are like the goodman who doesn't know when to watch. The Greek word for watch is gregoreuo and it means to stay awake as in a vigil, Matt 26:38-40.
It is beginning to look like important events are occurring on the appointed times of biblical feast days. When congress met to approve $760 billion bailout, it was October 1, the eve of the thin crescent signaling the Feast of Trumpets in Leviticus 23:24. Trumpets blew for 10 days till the Day of Atonement, a type of Judgment Day. And every day for 10 days, world markets crashed in an unprecedented way.
Another example is the pope's visit to Jerusalem. Christ's warning in Matthew 24:15 was understood by early believers as referring to Rome. When Cestius brought the Romans, Christians fled and were spared the siege by Titus a few years later. The Roman Empire fell, but the Holy Roman Empire emerged, and in a first-ever visit by a pope, John Paul went to Jerusalem in 2000. Since then, Jerusalem has been "compassed with armies" of Palestinians and others hostile to Israel, a sign that "the desolation thereof is nigh," Luke 21:20.
When Titus sieged Jerusalem, Herod's Temple burned on the 10th day of the 5th Jewish month according to Josephus, the same date Solomon's Temple burned nearly 700 years earlier, Jeremiah 52:12,13. This year the 10th day of the 5th month is August 2, and many Jews will fast and pray in honor of their history, as suggested in Zechariah 7:3-7. In sympathy with those who are in affliction, the Bible suggests our watching and praying or we could have our house broken. "If you do not watch, I will come on you as a thief." Revelation 3:3. "Could you not watch one hour?" Matthew 26:38-40.
Dr. Richard Ruhling is an author and conference speaker. His website on prophecy, Revelation and the wedding parables is http://www.theBridegroomComes.com He recommends his favorite book and DVD for low cost at http://www.TakeCareOfYourself.netfirms.com
8.9 Earthquake Japan - Fifth Largest Earthquake in the World Since 1755
By Lance Winslow
When it comes to Japan, they sure know how to rock n' roll - but they also seem to be good at setting records. The Sendai, Japan Earthquake of 2011 was the fifth largest earthquake ever felt, where adequate records were available. Can you say huge, I mean really huge?
Well, consider if you will that in all of recorded history since the Richter Scale was created there have only been three others larger than the one in Japan. For instance, according to WikiPedia, the Richter Scale was not even developed until 1935 by Charlie Sheen, I mean Charles Richter with Beno Gutenberg at Cal Tech in California, whereas, it was Charlie Sheen, an actor that appeared to lose his mind and shook Hollywood circa 2011.
If you will recall the recent Earthquake in Chile was an 8.8 and the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake quake was 9.3 which caused the giant Tsunamis throughout the Indian Ocean. Perhaps considering the Haiti Quake and the recent New Zealand quakes, which were quite a bit weaker, but not any less devastating to structures or ruined lives - it might make sense if you live in an Earthquake zone to have a plan.
Indeed, there is a very good book I can recommend to you if you don't feel as if you are properly prepared currently, and I will tell you that this is a book I do own personally living out here in California. The name of the book is:
"The Disaster Survival Handbook" Authored by Alton L. Thygerson, Brigham Young University, Salt Lake, UT, (1979) 248 pages, ISBN: 0-8425-1629-8.
The book explains what you can do in your own life, to protect your family and property, as well as what to do immediately afterwards. Not only is there excellent information earthquake preparedness, supplies needed, and how to battle ready your living environment - but also how to deal with aftershocks, power outages, drinking water, cooking, and surviving, literally surviving, as you won't have any communication, TV, Internet, gas, electricity, and you may not be able to drink the water, even if you have some flowing through the pipes.
This is a great survival book, because it handles all types of disasters, and I ask you - are you and your family ready when and if disaster strikes? Be prepared because when such an event hits emergency services will potentially be so overwhelmed, you are on your own. Thus, maybe this is a good wake-up call for you to consider the reality of such a potential eventuality. Think on it.
Well, consider if you will that in all of recorded history since the Richter Scale was created there have only been three others larger than the one in Japan. For instance, according to WikiPedia, the Richter Scale was not even developed until 1935 by Charlie Sheen, I mean Charles Richter with Beno Gutenberg at Cal Tech in California, whereas, it was Charlie Sheen, an actor that appeared to lose his mind and shook Hollywood circa 2011.
If you will recall the recent Earthquake in Chile was an 8.8 and the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake quake was 9.3 which caused the giant Tsunamis throughout the Indian Ocean. Perhaps considering the Haiti Quake and the recent New Zealand quakes, which were quite a bit weaker, but not any less devastating to structures or ruined lives - it might make sense if you live in an Earthquake zone to have a plan.
Indeed, there is a very good book I can recommend to you if you don't feel as if you are properly prepared currently, and I will tell you that this is a book I do own personally living out here in California. The name of the book is:
"The Disaster Survival Handbook" Authored by Alton L. Thygerson, Brigham Young University, Salt Lake, UT, (1979) 248 pages, ISBN: 0-8425-1629-8.
The book explains what you can do in your own life, to protect your family and property, as well as what to do immediately afterwards. Not only is there excellent information earthquake preparedness, supplies needed, and how to battle ready your living environment - but also how to deal with aftershocks, power outages, drinking water, cooking, and surviving, literally surviving, as you won't have any communication, TV, Internet, gas, electricity, and you may not be able to drink the water, even if you have some flowing through the pipes.
This is a great survival book, because it handles all types of disasters, and I ask you - are you and your family ready when and if disaster strikes? Be prepared because when such an event hits emergency services will potentially be so overwhelmed, you are on your own. Thus, maybe this is a good wake-up call for you to consider the reality of such a potential eventuality. Think on it.
Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.WorldThinkTank.net - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.
Earthquake Causes
By Juan Valks
Earthquakes are a naturally occurring shock or movement that occurs on or just below the earth crust. This can cause massive devastation in the area of the earthquake and in areas spreading out from the center of the quake.
All true earthquakes are natural and are not linked to any man made activities such as shocks from nuclear testing or landslides that result from extensive building work. There are two main causes of earthquakes - Tectonic activity which is caused by the earth plates moving or faults or volcanic activity which is caused by volcanic eruptions.
Out of the two earthquake causes tectonic activity is the most common, although volcanic activity can cause earthquakes in certain areas of the world. Tectonic earthquake causes begin when there is movement in the earth Tectonic plates. These plates are made up of sections of the earth crust and they float on the earth mantle. Most of the time these plates are slowly in moving; they might slide towards or away from each other or even slip past each other. However, it is when these Tectonic plates collide or move too closely to each other that an earthquake is caused.
Scientists have devised the Elastic Rebound Theory to describe what happens during these times of movement. To explain this, think about bending a green twig. You will know that you can bend the twig and it will hold up until a certain point, until the energy on the twig becomes too much and it snaps. The point of snapping is known as the Elastic Limit. When this happens the energy created during the bending process is released which makes the twig vibrate.
When Tectonic plates collide or rub against each other the same process occurs and this will cause an earthquake. One example of constantly moving plates is the San Andreas Fault in the US. Here the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate both move in the same direction, but one is faster than the other. This leads to small shocks and occasionally large quakes in the San Francisco area of America.
Volcanic earthquakes are created when a volcano erupts, which can be quite a violent explosion. Usually these earthquakes will affect an area of up to 20 miles around the volcano and the earthquake is not likely to be felt anywhere else in the world.
A volcano is more likely to explode if it contains acidic lava. This is lava that will quickly cool and set when in contact with the air. When this happens the vent of the volcano will become blocked and pressure will build up inside it. Over time this pressure will increase until the volcano erupts. Volcanoes that do not contain acidic lava or which have free flowing lava tend not to erupt in this way and are considered to be much safer.
As you can see there are two main earthquake causes - Tectonic plate activity and volcanic eruptions. Tectonic earthquakes are much more common although there are still instances of volcanic earthquakes in various countries around the globe.
All true earthquakes are natural and are not linked to any man made activities such as shocks from nuclear testing or landslides that result from extensive building work. There are two main causes of earthquakes - Tectonic activity which is caused by the earth plates moving or faults or volcanic activity which is caused by volcanic eruptions.
Out of the two earthquake causes tectonic activity is the most common, although volcanic activity can cause earthquakes in certain areas of the world. Tectonic earthquake causes begin when there is movement in the earth Tectonic plates. These plates are made up of sections of the earth crust and they float on the earth mantle. Most of the time these plates are slowly in moving; they might slide towards or away from each other or even slip past each other. However, it is when these Tectonic plates collide or move too closely to each other that an earthquake is caused.
Scientists have devised the Elastic Rebound Theory to describe what happens during these times of movement. To explain this, think about bending a green twig. You will know that you can bend the twig and it will hold up until a certain point, until the energy on the twig becomes too much and it snaps. The point of snapping is known as the Elastic Limit. When this happens the energy created during the bending process is released which makes the twig vibrate.
When Tectonic plates collide or rub against each other the same process occurs and this will cause an earthquake. One example of constantly moving plates is the San Andreas Fault in the US. Here the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate both move in the same direction, but one is faster than the other. This leads to small shocks and occasionally large quakes in the San Francisco area of America.
Volcanic earthquakes are created when a volcano erupts, which can be quite a violent explosion. Usually these earthquakes will affect an area of up to 20 miles around the volcano and the earthquake is not likely to be felt anywhere else in the world.
A volcano is more likely to explode if it contains acidic lava. This is lava that will quickly cool and set when in contact with the air. When this happens the vent of the volcano will become blocked and pressure will build up inside it. Over time this pressure will increase until the volcano erupts. Volcanoes that do not contain acidic lava or which have free flowing lava tend not to erupt in this way and are considered to be much safer.
As you can see there are two main earthquake causes - Tectonic plate activity and volcanic eruptions. Tectonic earthquakes are much more common although there are still instances of volcanic earthquakes in various countries around the globe.
| Juan m Valks have the las last information in this topic at: http://www.earthquakecauses.com. |  |
Earthquake Insurance - Protect Your Assets and Investments
By Mostafa EL-Engebawy, Ph.D.
Earthquake Hazards in the United States
Although the West Coast and Alaska generally has the greatest earthquake activity, the potential for earthquakes exist almost everywhere in the United States. Active areas in the Midwest include: 1) The New Madrid Seismic Zone in southeastern Missouri which has the potential to impact eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; and 2) The Wabash Valley Seismic Zone along Illinois-Indiana border that would impact three states: Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. In Eastern United States, another active region is the Charleston area in South Carolina.
Earthquake Prediction in California and the Midwest
California has 99.7% probability of having a moment magnitude Mw = 6.7 earthquake (same as Northridge event) during the next 30 years. The southern segment of San Andreas Fault has the highest probability of generating such an earthquake in Southern California with a 67% chance of striking Los Angeles Area, while Hayward Fault is the most likely earthquake source in Northern California with a 63% chance of striking San Francisco Bay Area. Larger earthquakes are less likely during the same time frame; 94%, 46% and 4.5% for Mw = 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0, respectively. On the other hand, the probability of a New Madrid earthquake of Mw = 6.0 or greater occurring in the next 50 years is 25-40%, while a repeat of the 1811-1812 earthquakes of Mw = 7.7 is 7-10% according to the United States Geological Survey. However, most structures in the Midwest were not built to withstand earthquake shaking. Moreover, earthquake awareness and preparedness in the Midwest have lagged far behind as compared to the West Coast.
What if your Home is Destroyed or Partially Damaged?
Many people wrongly believe that the United States Government will take care of all their financial needs if they suffer losses in an earthquake which is not true. In fact, the federal disaster relief programs are designed to help you get partly back on your feet but not to replace everything you lose. In the meantime, homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage to your home and possessions. Therefore, most of the property damage caused by an earthquake will end up being handled and paid for by you. In addition, you are still responsible for your existing debts such as mortgage, auto loans, and credit card payments even if your home is destroyed or partially damaged.
How to Protect your Assets and Investments?
If you own your home, it is probably your biggest financial asset. You have worked hard to secure your piece of the American Dream to become a homeowner. Your assets and investments made in personal belongings may be at risk when an earthquake strikes as your home will probably have some level of damage. How do you plan to protect these assets and investments from the costs of destructive earthquakes? Earthquake preparedness plans that include retrofitting your home and mitigating its contents are effective ways for protection against earthquake damage. Another option for managing the potential costs is to buy earthquake insurance.
Earthquake Insurance
Earthquake insurance provides coverage for ground shaking that may destroy your home, business, and personal belongings. Coverage for other kinds of damage that may result from earthquakes, such as fire and water damage due to burst gas and water pipes, is provided by standard homeowner and business insurance policies. On the other hand, cars and other vehicles are covered for earthquake damage only under the comprehensive part of the auto insurance policy. The states of California, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Kentucky, Florida, and Indiana are the top 10 largest markets for earthquake insurance coverage. Earthquake insurance premiums differ widely by location, insurance company, and the construction material of your home. Older buildings cost more to insure than newer ones. Wood-frame structures benefit from lower rates than unreinforced masonry buildings as they tend to withstand earthquake forces better. A wood frame house in the Pacific Northwest costs $1-3 per $1,000 worth of coverage but less than $0.50 on the East Coast, while an unreinforced masonry home costs $3-15 per $1,000 in the Pacific Northwest but $0.60-0.90 in New York.
Do You Need Earthquake Insurance?
A wise decision on earthquake insurance is crucial if you live in an active seismic region. My family and I survived the 1995 Kobe Earthquake because I decided to live in a relatively new reinforced concrete apartment building although the rent was higher than traditional Japanese wooden houses. The three story main building stood still after the earthquake except an extension that partially collapsed, while many of the surrounding traditional houses completely collapsed. However, the apartment contents were damaged including the refrigerator, a microwave, and a large TV. The answers to the following questions may help you to decide if earthquake insurance is right for you:
It is surprising to know that only 12% of California residents currently have earthquake insurance coverage down from 33% in 1996 when the devastating 1994 Northridge Earthquake was still fresh in people's minds. On the other hand, 35% of Missouri homes have earthquake insurance coverage which seems reasonable.
Concluding Remark
On January 09, 2010 the powerful Mw = 6.5 Offshore Northern California Earthquake caused moderate damage to the City of Eureka and elsewhere in Humboldt County. Few days later, on January 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck Haiti which is considered to be one of the deadliest quakes in the last four decades. These earthquakes are wake up calls for individuals living in active seismic regions to re-consider retrofitting their homes and mitigating their contents to protect themselves and their families; to develop, update, or maintain their own earthquake preparedness plans; and to re-consider buying earthquake insurance to manage the potential costs of future inevitable earthquakes.
Although the West Coast and Alaska generally has the greatest earthquake activity, the potential for earthquakes exist almost everywhere in the United States. Active areas in the Midwest include: 1) The New Madrid Seismic Zone in southeastern Missouri which has the potential to impact eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; and 2) The Wabash Valley Seismic Zone along Illinois-Indiana border that would impact three states: Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. In Eastern United States, another active region is the Charleston area in South Carolina.
Earthquake Prediction in California and the Midwest
California has 99.7% probability of having a moment magnitude Mw = 6.7 earthquake (same as Northridge event) during the next 30 years. The southern segment of San Andreas Fault has the highest probability of generating such an earthquake in Southern California with a 67% chance of striking Los Angeles Area, while Hayward Fault is the most likely earthquake source in Northern California with a 63% chance of striking San Francisco Bay Area. Larger earthquakes are less likely during the same time frame; 94%, 46% and 4.5% for Mw = 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0, respectively. On the other hand, the probability of a New Madrid earthquake of Mw = 6.0 or greater occurring in the next 50 years is 25-40%, while a repeat of the 1811-1812 earthquakes of Mw = 7.7 is 7-10% according to the United States Geological Survey. However, most structures in the Midwest were not built to withstand earthquake shaking. Moreover, earthquake awareness and preparedness in the Midwest have lagged far behind as compared to the West Coast.
What if your Home is Destroyed or Partially Damaged?
Many people wrongly believe that the United States Government will take care of all their financial needs if they suffer losses in an earthquake which is not true. In fact, the federal disaster relief programs are designed to help you get partly back on your feet but not to replace everything you lose. In the meantime, homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage to your home and possessions. Therefore, most of the property damage caused by an earthquake will end up being handled and paid for by you. In addition, you are still responsible for your existing debts such as mortgage, auto loans, and credit card payments even if your home is destroyed or partially damaged.
How to Protect your Assets and Investments?
If you own your home, it is probably your biggest financial asset. You have worked hard to secure your piece of the American Dream to become a homeowner. Your assets and investments made in personal belongings may be at risk when an earthquake strikes as your home will probably have some level of damage. How do you plan to protect these assets and investments from the costs of destructive earthquakes? Earthquake preparedness plans that include retrofitting your home and mitigating its contents are effective ways for protection against earthquake damage. Another option for managing the potential costs is to buy earthquake insurance.
Earthquake Insurance
Earthquake insurance provides coverage for ground shaking that may destroy your home, business, and personal belongings. Coverage for other kinds of damage that may result from earthquakes, such as fire and water damage due to burst gas and water pipes, is provided by standard homeowner and business insurance policies. On the other hand, cars and other vehicles are covered for earthquake damage only under the comprehensive part of the auto insurance policy. The states of California, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Kentucky, Florida, and Indiana are the top 10 largest markets for earthquake insurance coverage. Earthquake insurance premiums differ widely by location, insurance company, and the construction material of your home. Older buildings cost more to insure than newer ones. Wood-frame structures benefit from lower rates than unreinforced masonry buildings as they tend to withstand earthquake forces better. A wood frame house in the Pacific Northwest costs $1-3 per $1,000 worth of coverage but less than $0.50 on the East Coast, while an unreinforced masonry home costs $3-15 per $1,000 in the Pacific Northwest but $0.60-0.90 in New York.
Do You Need Earthquake Insurance?
A wise decision on earthquake insurance is crucial if you live in an active seismic region. My family and I survived the 1995 Kobe Earthquake because I decided to live in a relatively new reinforced concrete apartment building although the rent was higher than traditional Japanese wooden houses. The three story main building stood still after the earthquake except an extension that partially collapsed, while many of the surrounding traditional houses completely collapsed. However, the apartment contents were damaged including the refrigerator, a microwave, and a large TV. The answers to the following questions may help you to decide if earthquake insurance is right for you:
- Do you know the plausible earthquake hazard at your home?
- How much would it cost to repair/rebuild your home?
- Can you afford paying the mortgage while also paying to repair/rebuild your home?
- Can you afford losing your home equity?
- How much would it cost to replace your household expensive possessions (furniture, computers, HDTV's, refrigerators, etc) if destroyed?
- How much would temporary accommodations cost if you cannot live in your home after the earthquake?
It is surprising to know that only 12% of California residents currently have earthquake insurance coverage down from 33% in 1996 when the devastating 1994 Northridge Earthquake was still fresh in people's minds. On the other hand, 35% of Missouri homes have earthquake insurance coverage which seems reasonable.
Concluding Remark
On January 09, 2010 the powerful Mw = 6.5 Offshore Northern California Earthquake caused moderate damage to the City of Eureka and elsewhere in Humboldt County. Few days later, on January 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck Haiti which is considered to be one of the deadliest quakes in the last four decades. These earthquakes are wake up calls for individuals living in active seismic regions to re-consider retrofitting their homes and mitigating their contents to protect themselves and their families; to develop, update, or maintain their own earthquake preparedness plans; and to re-consider buying earthquake insurance to manage the potential costs of future inevitable earthquakes.
Additional information on earthquake insurance including illustrative figures and photos can be found at http://hubpages.com/hub/earthquake-insurance-protect-your-assets-and-investments
My family and I survived the January 17th 1995 Kobe Earthquake although our building partially collapsed. Check my website for additional information on earthquake awareness and preparedness in the United States including earthquake damage photos of Kobe earthquake.
My family and I survived the January 17th 1995 Kobe Earthquake although our building partially collapsed. Check my website for additional information on earthquake awareness and preparedness in the United States including earthquake damage photos of Kobe earthquake.
What Earthquake?
By Lila Renrik
What earthquake, here in the middle of Christchurch, not likely". "If you paid attention during your geography classes young man, you would know that I have told you all many times, Christchurch is built on a swamp and therefore the likelihood of an earthquake having much effect on us in this city is very small."
I will save both my junior and my High School geography teacher's blushes by leaving out their names, but ever since I was a young child and I'm now quite a bit older having had a few birthdays ending in 0, successive teaches have preached the same thing to me and no doubt scores of other Cantabrians, regarding the relative safe haven, insulated from earthquakes we in Canterbury live in.
So you can imagine my surprise when on September 4 2010, at 4.35am on a pitch black, deftly still late winter morning, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook my house off its foundations, shattered windows and rearranged our landscape. Within the 45 seconds or so, when our world shook its socks off, our house became unlivable, our section became a terraced back yard with two trenches a meter wide and in places two meters deep and all services were cut. The next hour was spent wading through water, mud and sand ensuring our neighbour's and my children, who live in three separate parts of town, were all ok. Remarkably, only a few people in all of Canterbury were injured, thank god.
In the cold and darkness of the aftermath, we sat in the remains of our house, waiting for daybreak, waiting for the aftershocks and whatever daylight would lie before us. Ironically, as we sat in the torchlight of our bedroom, sitting out the dark, the first thing that came to mind was, "those buggers were full of Shiite!"
Mind you, in their defence I have since learnt that the last time this fault line was active was 16,000 years ago, and the ability to detect such historic evidence had most likely, only recently become available. Although all of my past teaches seem to be ancient themselves at the time, it is highly unlikely any were present then, although one grey haired old codger must have been born about then. Also, again to spare their blushes, I have just found out that the mud and sand that rose from deep below our gardens and roads, bursting through the surface wherever it pleased, like a pimple erupting through your skin, is in fact called "Liquefaction", go figure? That is one word I have never, ever heard before and certainly was never part of my collective geography teacher's vocabulary.
All this goes to show is that time, like people move on and no matter what we are told today, about today, or tomorrow, is just conjecture, based on some historic data and so-called educated guessing.
I, like my decrepit old teachers, will tell my grandchildren what I know, and what I believe, straight from the heart with no malice or intent to deceive, yet, time may indeed prove to my own grandchildren, that even their wise old, good-looking, fit and friendly old grandparent, may also be full of Shiite? I wonder.
What earthquake, here in the middle of Christchurch, not likely". "If you paid attention during your geography classes young man, you would know that I have told you all many times, Christchurch is built on a swamp and therefore the likelihood of an earthquake having much effect on us in this city is very small."
I will save both my junior and my High School geography teacher's blushes by leaving out their names, but ever since I was a young child and I'm now quite a bit older having had a few birthdays ending in 0, successive teaches have preached the same thing to me and no doubt scores of other Cantabrians, regarding the relative safe haven, insulated from earthquakes we in Canterbury live in.
So you can imagine my surprise when on September 4 2010, at 4.35am on a pitch black, deftly still late winter morning, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook my house off its foundations, shattered windows and rearranged our landscape. Within the 45 seconds or so, when our world shook its socks off, our house became unlivable, our section became a terraced back yard with two trenches a meter wide and in places two meters deep and all services were cut. The next hour was spent wading through water, mud and sand ensuring our neighbour's and my children, who live in three separate parts of town, were all ok. Remarkably, only a few people in all of Canterbury were injured, thank god.
In the cold and darkness of the aftermath, we sat in the remains of our house, waiting for daybreak, waiting for the aftershocks and whatever daylight would lie before us. Ironically, as we sat in the torchlight of our bedroom, sitting out the dark, the first thing that came to mind was, "those buggers were full of Shiite!"
Mind you, in their defence I have since learnt that the last time this fault line was active was 16,000 years ago, and the ability to detect such historic evidence had most likely, only recently become available. Although all of my past teaches seem to be ancient themselves at the time, it is highly unlikely any were present then, although one grey haired old codger must have been born about then. Also, again to spare their blushes, I have just found out that the mud and sand that rose from deep below our gardens and roads, bursting through the surface wherever it pleased, like a pimple erupting through your skin, is in fact called "Liquefaction", go figure? That is one word I have never, ever heard before and certainly was never part of my collective geography teacher's vocabulary.
All this goes to show is that time, like people move on and no matter what we are told today, about today, or tomorrow, is just conjecture, based on some historic data and so-called educated guessing.
I, like my decrepit old teachers, will tell my grandchildren what I know, and what I believe, straight from the heart with no malice or intent to deceive, yet, time may indeed prove to my own grandchildren, that even their wise old, good-looking, fit and friendly old grandparent, may also be full of Shiite? I wonder.
| Lila Renrik is a Wealth Creator. She enjoys a relaxed and fun lifestyle working from home on her computer or from anywhere that has an internet connection. She has been asked to assess many opportunities, giving her insight to many that are flawed by their need for technical know-how or that are fly-by-nighters with ridiculous income claims, only achievable by a few. Lila wants to save others the regret of pursuing 'go-no-where' or 'too difficult' schemes, by sharing what has worked for her. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lila_Renrik |  |
Earthquake Insurance in California
By Elizabeth Potts Weinstein
As the water began to drain from New Orleans in 2005, we learned that most of the homeowners in New Orleans did not have flood insurance, since they were supposedly in "low risk" areas. The over 60% of homeowners will need to depend upon their own savings, and limited federal assistance, to rebuild New Orleans - at an uncalculated cost for homeowners and taxpayers.
Could that level of disaster, especially that level of uninsured disaster, happen in California? Less than 15% of California homeowners currently carry earthquake insurance, due to its high cost, the "can't happen to me or my house" factor, and mortgage providers not requiring coverage. The next big quake will result in billions of uninsured damage - but is earthquake insurance really worth the high cost?
How Did We Get Here?
The state of California requires that all homeowner's insurance providers to at least offer earthquake insurance (albeit, at a high cost). Until 1994, it was widely available - but the high damage costs of the Northridge earthquake resulted in 97% of homeowner's insurance providers pulling out of the state the California. In response, the California Earthquake Authority was formed by the California legislator to provide earthquake insurance.
What Is the California Earthquake Authority, and How Does It Work?
The California Earthquake Authority provides two-thirds of the earthquake policies in California, sold through their member providers, like Allstate and State Farm. A homeowner purchases the policy through their regular insurance agent, but the policy is actually a CEA policy.
The CEA currently has about $7.2 billion to pay claims, which it states is enough to pay foreseeable damages (Loma Prieta in 1989 had $6 billion in total damages). If the damage claims are more than $7.2 billion, then each claim would be paid a prorated portion of their losses - unlike a regular insurance company, which promises to pay the actual damages under the insurance policy. The state of California cannot help pay the claims out of general funds.
The policies also have a high deductible - usually 15% of the value of the dwelling. In other words, your home must be damaged more than 15% of its value before the insurance starts paying. So, this insurance is not for cracks in the driveway - it is for significant structural damage to your home. The policy also pays for limited contents (starting at $5K) and loss of use (starting at $1500).
Why Is Earthquake Insurance So Expensive?
Insurance policy premiums are calculated based on probabilities - the probability that a house like yours in a neighborhood like yours will catch fire, or a driver like you will have an accident. With data from millions of homes, these probabilities can be calculated with reasonable accuracy. But, no one can reliably predict the probability that there will be an earthquake strong enough to damage your home.
And, as you can imagine, damages from an earthquake, flood, or hurricane, are widespread, over potentially thousands of square miles - instead of one or a few dozen homes, as in a fire. As such, the insurer would have to pay either zero claims, or billions of dollars of claims - too much variance to reasonably plan for or price accurately.
Are We Really At Risk Here in San Jose?
According to the USGS, there is a 62% probability that there will be an earthquake of 6.7 or greater (like the Northridge quake) in the Bay Area in the next 30 years. In my zip code (San Jose 95126), USGS calculates a 80% chance of a 6.0 earthquake and a 20% chance of a 7.0, in the next 30 years. Whether you consider that to be a high risk depends on your risk tolerance for earthquakes - I consider that a high risk of a moderate earthquake and a somewhat low risk of a terrible earthquake, over the next 30 years.
But like any issue involving real estate - it is all local. Where your home is actually located significantly affects your risk - bedrock, reclaimed land from the bay, soil type, nearby streams, actual distance from the epicenter - all can affect potential damage.
But of course, many earthquakes occur where the USGS was not even aware of a fault line - and we never know when or where it will happen, until it happens.
Should I Obtain Earthquake Insurance?
Factors to Consider:
Are the Costs Worth It?Let's assume that you have a home that would cost $250K to rebuild, you will own the home for the next 30 years, and your earthquake premiums are $1200 per year. Over the next 30 years, that would be a total of $36,000 in premiums (assuming your premiums do not increase, to simplify calculations).
Instead of purchasing insurance, you invest the premiums in a diversified mutual fund. With an 8% annual return, you would have $135,000 (pre-tax) in year 30.* But of course, you only have that total in year 30, not in year one - meaning that if the earthquake happens tomorrow, you don't have the money.
The deductible is another big turn off for many homeowners. The insurance pays only for large structural damage, not broken dishes or cracked driveways - meaning that it is less likely you will use it. However, be aware that you will not need to come up with the cash for the deductible - you may either opt to not undertake those repair or rebuilding costs, or you can apply for an SBA loan to pay for the deductible (assuming a federal disaster area is declared).
Why Not Just Get Federal Aid, or "Walk Away" and Let the Bank Have the Property?
The federal government would probably provide access to SBA loans, if the area is declared a federal disaster area (no small business required). However, the $200K maximum SBA loan may not be enough to rebuild your home - and, it is a loan that you need to pay back (in addition to your current mortgage).
If you have refinanced your mortgage, you have a recourse mortgage - which means that not only can the bank foreclose on the property in case of non-payment, the bank can also come after your personal assets and future income in case of non-payment. So you cannot just walk away, especially if you have a good income and some personal assets. The bank may help out by deferring payments for a few months, but you still must pay back the loan.
Last Thoughts
We have earthquake insurance on our home. Our home was not yet built in the 1906 earthquake (so who knows if it would stand), it is 75+ years old and is not bolted to the foundation, and we have a refinanced mortgage. For my family, the insurance premiums are worth peace of mind in case of a major earthquake disaster. That's exactly what insurance is for - the "you never know."
*calculations ignore inflation
Could that level of disaster, especially that level of uninsured disaster, happen in California? Less than 15% of California homeowners currently carry earthquake insurance, due to its high cost, the "can't happen to me or my house" factor, and mortgage providers not requiring coverage. The next big quake will result in billions of uninsured damage - but is earthquake insurance really worth the high cost?
How Did We Get Here?
The state of California requires that all homeowner's insurance providers to at least offer earthquake insurance (albeit, at a high cost). Until 1994, it was widely available - but the high damage costs of the Northridge earthquake resulted in 97% of homeowner's insurance providers pulling out of the state the California. In response, the California Earthquake Authority was formed by the California legislator to provide earthquake insurance.
What Is the California Earthquake Authority, and How Does It Work?
The California Earthquake Authority provides two-thirds of the earthquake policies in California, sold through their member providers, like Allstate and State Farm. A homeowner purchases the policy through their regular insurance agent, but the policy is actually a CEA policy.
The CEA currently has about $7.2 billion to pay claims, which it states is enough to pay foreseeable damages (Loma Prieta in 1989 had $6 billion in total damages). If the damage claims are more than $7.2 billion, then each claim would be paid a prorated portion of their losses - unlike a regular insurance company, which promises to pay the actual damages under the insurance policy. The state of California cannot help pay the claims out of general funds.
The policies also have a high deductible - usually 15% of the value of the dwelling. In other words, your home must be damaged more than 15% of its value before the insurance starts paying. So, this insurance is not for cracks in the driveway - it is for significant structural damage to your home. The policy also pays for limited contents (starting at $5K) and loss of use (starting at $1500).
Why Is Earthquake Insurance So Expensive?
Insurance policy premiums are calculated based on probabilities - the probability that a house like yours in a neighborhood like yours will catch fire, or a driver like you will have an accident. With data from millions of homes, these probabilities can be calculated with reasonable accuracy. But, no one can reliably predict the probability that there will be an earthquake strong enough to damage your home.
And, as you can imagine, damages from an earthquake, flood, or hurricane, are widespread, over potentially thousands of square miles - instead of one or a few dozen homes, as in a fire. As such, the insurer would have to pay either zero claims, or billions of dollars of claims - too much variance to reasonably plan for or price accurately.
Are We Really At Risk Here in San Jose?
According to the USGS, there is a 62% probability that there will be an earthquake of 6.7 or greater (like the Northridge quake) in the Bay Area in the next 30 years. In my zip code (San Jose 95126), USGS calculates a 80% chance of a 6.0 earthquake and a 20% chance of a 7.0, in the next 30 years. Whether you consider that to be a high risk depends on your risk tolerance for earthquakes - I consider that a high risk of a moderate earthquake and a somewhat low risk of a terrible earthquake, over the next 30 years.
But like any issue involving real estate - it is all local. Where your home is actually located significantly affects your risk - bedrock, reclaimed land from the bay, soil type, nearby streams, actual distance from the epicenter - all can affect potential damage.
But of course, many earthquakes occur where the USGS was not even aware of a fault line - and we never know when or where it will happen, until it happens.
Should I Obtain Earthquake Insurance?
Factors to Consider:
- Could you afford to pay for the rebuilding your home from your own savings & investments?
- Can you afford to pay the high cost of insurance, indefinitely?
- Could make payments on your current mortgage and on a new loan to rebuild?
- Can you mitigate your potential losses by bolting your roof to the walls and the walls to the foundation, for example?
- What is your tolerance for the risk of an earthquake?
- What is the risks of your current home construction (type, age, foundation)?
- What are the risks of your specific location (soil type, distance to known faults)?
Are the Costs Worth It?Let's assume that you have a home that would cost $250K to rebuild, you will own the home for the next 30 years, and your earthquake premiums are $1200 per year. Over the next 30 years, that would be a total of $36,000 in premiums (assuming your premiums do not increase, to simplify calculations).
Instead of purchasing insurance, you invest the premiums in a diversified mutual fund. With an 8% annual return, you would have $135,000 (pre-tax) in year 30.* But of course, you only have that total in year 30, not in year one - meaning that if the earthquake happens tomorrow, you don't have the money.
The deductible is another big turn off for many homeowners. The insurance pays only for large structural damage, not broken dishes or cracked driveways - meaning that it is less likely you will use it. However, be aware that you will not need to come up with the cash for the deductible - you may either opt to not undertake those repair or rebuilding costs, or you can apply for an SBA loan to pay for the deductible (assuming a federal disaster area is declared).
Why Not Just Get Federal Aid, or "Walk Away" and Let the Bank Have the Property?
The federal government would probably provide access to SBA loans, if the area is declared a federal disaster area (no small business required). However, the $200K maximum SBA loan may not be enough to rebuild your home - and, it is a loan that you need to pay back (in addition to your current mortgage).
If you have refinanced your mortgage, you have a recourse mortgage - which means that not only can the bank foreclose on the property in case of non-payment, the bank can also come after your personal assets and future income in case of non-payment. So you cannot just walk away, especially if you have a good income and some personal assets. The bank may help out by deferring payments for a few months, but you still must pay back the loan.
Last Thoughts
We have earthquake insurance on our home. Our home was not yet built in the 1906 earthquake (so who knows if it would stand), it is 75+ years old and is not bolted to the foundation, and we have a refinanced mortgage. For my family, the insurance premiums are worth peace of mind in case of a major earthquake disaster. That's exactly what insurance is for - the "you never know."
*calculations ignore inflation
| Elizabeth Potts Weinstein, JD, a licensed attorney and Registered Investment Advisor, is the founder of Potts Weinstein Financial Consulting, a financial and estate planning firm, headquartered in San Jose, California. The firm specializes in providing fee-only, hourly financial planning, estate planning, and investment advice for people from all walks of life and income brackets. For more information about Potts Weinstein Financial Consulting, or to subscribe to our monthly eZine 'Prosper!', please visit http://www.pottsweinstein.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Potts_Weinstein |  |
California Earthquake - Psychic Prediction
By Barbara Garcia
Most of us who live in Southern California are aware that a major earthquake is bound to occur within the next 10 years. We look toward the scientist to inform and prepare us for those dreaded earth quake strikes.
I would rather not talk about the "big one" that has been expected to occur for decades because these sort of predictions tend to ignite deeper fears in our already fearful position in these earthquake ridden regions. We have heard and read about the big quake that is bound to happen so much that we have become desensitized.
There are dozens of meanings one can perceive from a psychic vision. This is why they need to be considered hypothetical in nature, worthy of study and reference but not taken as verifiable. However, psychic visions of an apocalyptic earthquake in southern California are being forecasted by reputable psychics much too often to ignore and remind people of the very real seismic dangers in the region.
Although I predicted a sizeable earthquake this year in my 2009 Psychic Predictions, the big one is about a year or two away. I keep seeing the year 2011 like a pulsating animation within visions of major earth shifts in my home state of California. Dates perceived in months or years could be argued to have limited value in forecasting a time because we psychics move our consciousness in large spans of time and cover broad areas of locations and events. On the other hand, the numbers 2011 is a significant part of the psychic vision.
Earthquake ridden fault zones are located throughout California but the areas in my vision are moving in the southern regions of California, from the outskirts of San Diego, the deserts, off shore Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The magnitude does not seem as significant as the amount of confusion in the collapse and destruction of buildings, structures, moving vehicles and machinery.
Earthquake preparedness may be mundane topic every year but how many of us are prepared? Contact the national CDC for information on how to survive in earthquakes and disasters, the more you educate yourself, the better prepared you become and you just might save the life of someone else as well.
I would rather not talk about the "big one" that has been expected to occur for decades because these sort of predictions tend to ignite deeper fears in our already fearful position in these earthquake ridden regions. We have heard and read about the big quake that is bound to happen so much that we have become desensitized.
There are dozens of meanings one can perceive from a psychic vision. This is why they need to be considered hypothetical in nature, worthy of study and reference but not taken as verifiable. However, psychic visions of an apocalyptic earthquake in southern California are being forecasted by reputable psychics much too often to ignore and remind people of the very real seismic dangers in the region.
Although I predicted a sizeable earthquake this year in my 2009 Psychic Predictions, the big one is about a year or two away. I keep seeing the year 2011 like a pulsating animation within visions of major earth shifts in my home state of California. Dates perceived in months or years could be argued to have limited value in forecasting a time because we psychics move our consciousness in large spans of time and cover broad areas of locations and events. On the other hand, the numbers 2011 is a significant part of the psychic vision.
Earthquake ridden fault zones are located throughout California but the areas in my vision are moving in the southern regions of California, from the outskirts of San Diego, the deserts, off shore Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The magnitude does not seem as significant as the amount of confusion in the collapse and destruction of buildings, structures, moving vehicles and machinery.
Earthquake preparedness may be mundane topic every year but how many of us are prepared? Contact the national CDC for information on how to survive in earthquakes and disasters, the more you educate yourself, the better prepared you become and you just might save the life of someone else as well.
Author of 7 Oracles Prophecy and Empowerment ISBM 0-9798296-07 and Psychic Empowerment ISBM 0-9798296-1-5. Home page: http://www.Starmerge.Com offers a wide range of services, art gallery and book store that are designed to educate and enhance the quality of your life.
Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami, 1964
By Garry Gamber
The 1964 Anchorage, Alaska, earthquake and the resulting tsunami struck without warning on Good Friday, March 27.
It was a quiet spring day in Anchorage, a holiday. Temperatures were seasonably mild with a moderate amount of snow on the ground. Children had the day off from school, and customer traffic in the stores downtown was light. Many residents were preparing or enjoying dinner at home. At 5:36 p.m. a major earthquake began to shake the ground, and the earth beneath Southcentral Alaska moved in waves for the next four long minutes.
Parents and children slipped, stumbled and fell on shifting floors in a panicked effort to get outdoors to escape breaking windows. Two inch cracks appeared in the ground in many places. Roads wrinkled and split and Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage broke apart and collapsed 10 feet or more. The Government Hill Elementary School twisted, shifted and became unusable in a moment. The outside wall of the J.C. Penney building crashed to the street. In the Turnagain residential district the ground liquefied like quicksand, slid away, and swallowed up 75 or more homes.
The four minute earthquake released the energy roughly equivalent to 10 million times the force of an atomic bomb. The mass of the earth and ocean absorbed most of the force, but manmade structures in the area could not absorb the rest of the force without suffering massive damage. Total property damage was estimated at $500 million.
Anchorage was crippled as gas lines and water lines were severed abruptly. Residents resorted to melting snow for water while awaiting repairs. Four days later students returned to available schools as life in Anchorage began to recover.
The Earthquake
The center of the Alaska earthquake was located about 75 miles east of Anchorage and about 55 miles west of Valdez. It began 14 to 16 miles deep in the earth's crust, a comparatively shallow depth, where the Pacific plate dives beneath the North American plate. The huge subduction zone is located at the north end of the Ring of Fire, a semicircle of volcanic and earthquake activity that defines the rim of the Pacific Ocean.
The earthquake fault, more precisely the thrust fault, which was the cause of the Good Friday earthquake stretched 750 miles from Alaska's Aleutian Islands to Valdez. The Pacific plate that day moved an estimated 25 to 30 feet northward, diving beneath the North American plate. The grinding of the two massive tectonic plates caused the Alaska earthquake and measured 8.4 on the Richter scale. In later years the measurement of the Alaska earthquake was upgraded to 9.2 on the Mw, or moment magnitude, scale as the Richter scale was determined to be inaccurate at measuring very large earthquakes above 8.0. Within a day of the initial major earthquake 11 more tremors of 6.0 or greater shook an already nervous population. In fact, aftershocks continued for nearly a year.
The earthquake caused the ground to displace upward by as much as 25 feet on several Alaskan islands and by nearly 3 feet upward at the city of Valdez. In other areas the ground displaced downward as much as 9 feet, for example in the town of Portage.
The Alaska earthquake on Good Friday was the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America. It was the second strongest ever recorded worldwide, surpassed in strength by the 9.5 Mw earthquake in Chile on May 22, 1960. The recent December 26, 2004, earthquake off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra measured 9.0 Mw. The deadliest earthquake occurred in Shensi Province, China, in 1556 where over 830,000 residents perished.
The Tsunami
Tsunami is an adapted Japanese word meaning "port wave," a reference to the fact that the wave's danger and destructive power only become evident as it approaches the shore.
During the 1964 Alaska earthquake the North American plate released upward, displacing a huge volume of ocean water and causing a seismic wave, a tsunami, to travel outward. The wave traveled at an estimated 450 miles per hour in the deeper ocean in a long wave of almost imperceptible height.
As the tsunami wave passed over the continental shelf and approached shore its length shortened, its speed decreased and its height increased as the massive volume and weight of water prepared to release its incredible energy on anything in its path.
At the shallow Valdez Inlet the wave reached a maximum height of nearly 200 feet. Further on, at the old town of Valdez, a 30 foot wall of water struck and demolished all structures. Twenty eight Valdez residents died when the tsunami crashed ashore. Valdez was later rebuilt at a higher elevation and further from the waterfront.
In Seward, Alaska, the earthquake caused a portion of the bay to slide. The slide caused a local tsunami which devastated Seward's port and downtown district, both of which were eventually rebuilt. Twelve residents perished in Seward.
The small town of Portage was leveled by its own local tsunami and never relocated or rebuilt. Another local tsunami struck the small port of Whittier killing 12 residents.
The Destruction
The original tsunami traveled about 8400 miles. It caused damage in the Hawaiian Islands and along the Oregon and California coasts. A 20 foot wave struck Crescent City, California, and killed 10 residents. The tsunami was responsible for the deaths of 16 people in Oregon and California.
The tsunami killed a total of 122 people in three states. By comparison, the earthquake resulted in 9 deaths.
It has been more than 40 years since the Alaska earthquake and tsunami. In the meantime construction materials and building practices have been enforced to produce structures more capable of surviving strong earthquakes. Also in the meantime, the population in Alaska's vulnerable areas has increased tremendously.
Smaller earthquakes along Alaska's subduction zone and other fault zones occur on a daily basis, presumably relieving the internal pressures that would otherwise produce another massive earthquake.
However, nobody knows with certainty when, where, or whether another huge and destructive earthquake will strike Alaska.
It was a quiet spring day in Anchorage, a holiday. Temperatures were seasonably mild with a moderate amount of snow on the ground. Children had the day off from school, and customer traffic in the stores downtown was light. Many residents were preparing or enjoying dinner at home. At 5:36 p.m. a major earthquake began to shake the ground, and the earth beneath Southcentral Alaska moved in waves for the next four long minutes.
Parents and children slipped, stumbled and fell on shifting floors in a panicked effort to get outdoors to escape breaking windows. Two inch cracks appeared in the ground in many places. Roads wrinkled and split and Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage broke apart and collapsed 10 feet or more. The Government Hill Elementary School twisted, shifted and became unusable in a moment. The outside wall of the J.C. Penney building crashed to the street. In the Turnagain residential district the ground liquefied like quicksand, slid away, and swallowed up 75 or more homes.
The four minute earthquake released the energy roughly equivalent to 10 million times the force of an atomic bomb. The mass of the earth and ocean absorbed most of the force, but manmade structures in the area could not absorb the rest of the force without suffering massive damage. Total property damage was estimated at $500 million.
Anchorage was crippled as gas lines and water lines were severed abruptly. Residents resorted to melting snow for water while awaiting repairs. Four days later students returned to available schools as life in Anchorage began to recover.
The Earthquake
The center of the Alaska earthquake was located about 75 miles east of Anchorage and about 55 miles west of Valdez. It began 14 to 16 miles deep in the earth's crust, a comparatively shallow depth, where the Pacific plate dives beneath the North American plate. The huge subduction zone is located at the north end of the Ring of Fire, a semicircle of volcanic and earthquake activity that defines the rim of the Pacific Ocean.
The earthquake fault, more precisely the thrust fault, which was the cause of the Good Friday earthquake stretched 750 miles from Alaska's Aleutian Islands to Valdez. The Pacific plate that day moved an estimated 25 to 30 feet northward, diving beneath the North American plate. The grinding of the two massive tectonic plates caused the Alaska earthquake and measured 8.4 on the Richter scale. In later years the measurement of the Alaska earthquake was upgraded to 9.2 on the Mw, or moment magnitude, scale as the Richter scale was determined to be inaccurate at measuring very large earthquakes above 8.0. Within a day of the initial major earthquake 11 more tremors of 6.0 or greater shook an already nervous population. In fact, aftershocks continued for nearly a year.
The earthquake caused the ground to displace upward by as much as 25 feet on several Alaskan islands and by nearly 3 feet upward at the city of Valdez. In other areas the ground displaced downward as much as 9 feet, for example in the town of Portage.
The Alaska earthquake on Good Friday was the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America. It was the second strongest ever recorded worldwide, surpassed in strength by the 9.5 Mw earthquake in Chile on May 22, 1960. The recent December 26, 2004, earthquake off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra measured 9.0 Mw. The deadliest earthquake occurred in Shensi Province, China, in 1556 where over 830,000 residents perished.
The Tsunami
Tsunami is an adapted Japanese word meaning "port wave," a reference to the fact that the wave's danger and destructive power only become evident as it approaches the shore.
During the 1964 Alaska earthquake the North American plate released upward, displacing a huge volume of ocean water and causing a seismic wave, a tsunami, to travel outward. The wave traveled at an estimated 450 miles per hour in the deeper ocean in a long wave of almost imperceptible height.
As the tsunami wave passed over the continental shelf and approached shore its length shortened, its speed decreased and its height increased as the massive volume and weight of water prepared to release its incredible energy on anything in its path.
At the shallow Valdez Inlet the wave reached a maximum height of nearly 200 feet. Further on, at the old town of Valdez, a 30 foot wall of water struck and demolished all structures. Twenty eight Valdez residents died when the tsunami crashed ashore. Valdez was later rebuilt at a higher elevation and further from the waterfront.
In Seward, Alaska, the earthquake caused a portion of the bay to slide. The slide caused a local tsunami which devastated Seward's port and downtown district, both of which were eventually rebuilt. Twelve residents perished in Seward.
The small town of Portage was leveled by its own local tsunami and never relocated or rebuilt. Another local tsunami struck the small port of Whittier killing 12 residents.
The Destruction
The original tsunami traveled about 8400 miles. It caused damage in the Hawaiian Islands and along the Oregon and California coasts. A 20 foot wave struck Crescent City, California, and killed 10 residents. The tsunami was responsible for the deaths of 16 people in Oregon and California.
The tsunami killed a total of 122 people in three states. By comparison, the earthquake resulted in 9 deaths.
It has been more than 40 years since the Alaska earthquake and tsunami. In the meantime construction materials and building practices have been enforced to produce structures more capable of surviving strong earthquakes. Also in the meantime, the population in Alaska's vulnerable areas has increased tremendously.
Smaller earthquakes along Alaska's subduction zone and other fault zones occur on a daily basis, presumably relieving the internal pressures that would otherwise produce another massive earthquake.
However, nobody knows with certainty when, where, or whether another huge and destructive earthquake will strike Alaska.
*****************************
Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of http://www.Anchorage-Homes.com and http://www.TheDatingAdvisor.com.
Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of http://www.Anchorage-Homes.com and http://www.TheDatingAdvisor.com.
Earthquake Risks in California
By Mostafa EL-Engebawy, Ph.D.
California Earthquakes
California earthquakes are developed by movement of huge blocks of the earth's crust; the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The Pacific Plate is moving northwest, scraping horizontally past the North American Plate at a rate of about 2 inches per year. About two-thirds of this movement occurs on the San Andreas fault and some other parallel faults. Over time, these faults produce about half of the significant earthquakes of the region, as well as many minor earthquakes.
Earthquake Prediction in California
Earthquakes occur suddenly without warning, during any season, and at any time of day or night. Sponsored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), California Geological Survey (CGS), and Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC); the 2007 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities, released the Uniform California Earthquake Forecast (UCERF). It states that California has 99.7% probability of having a moment magnitude Mw = 6.7 earthquake (same as Northridge event) during the next 30 years. The southern segment of San Andreas fault has the highest probability of generating such an earthquake scenario in southern California with a 67% chance of striking the greater Los Angeles area, while Hayward fault is the most likely earthquake source in northern California with a 63% chance of striking the San Francisco bay area. Larger earthquakes are less likely during the same time frame; 94% probability of Mw = 7.0 event, 46% probability of Mw = 7.5 event, and 4.5% probability of Mw = 8.0 event. For all magnitudes, the earthquake is more likely to occur in southern California than in northern California.
Hazards Associated with California Earthquakes
Expected Economic Losses focusing on Northern CaliforniaThere is a 62% probability that at least one earthquake of Mw = 6.7 or greater will occur in the San Francisco bay area before 2032. Hayward fault has the highest probability of 27% of generating such earthquake event, while the northern segment of San Andreas fault has a probability of 21%, the Calaveras fault of 11%, and the San Gregorio fault of 10%. It is well-known that soft soils in San Francisco bay area would amplify and prolong the shaking even at great distances from the ruptured fault. Consequently, a repeat of the 1868 Hayward earthquake is expected to cause significant loss of life and extensive damage to homes, businesses, transportation systems and utilities. Several hundred thousand people are likely to be homeless after the earthquake. Economic losses exceeding $120 billion is expected. These losses include damage to buildings and contents, business interruption, and living expenses, with more than 90% of both residential and commercial losses being uninsured.
Expected Economic Losses Focusing on Southern California
A 2008 comprehensive study, known as the ShakeOut scenario earthquake, by the USGS and CGS of a hypothetical Mw = 7.8 earthquake rupturing the southernmost 200 miles of San Andreas fault has been performed. The fault rupture will produce more than 100 seconds of shaking throughout southern California. The event initiates from the epicenter at the Salton Sea producing very strong shaking along the fault as it ruptures until it ends near Lake Hughes. Soil conditions at sites along the fault will generally tend to amplify earthquake shaking. Deep soils in Los Angeles sedimentary basin would generate persistent shaking as the seismic waves are trapped and reverberate. The intensity of shaking will also be strong in San Bernardino valley, in areas prone to landslides mainly in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, and in areas susceptible to significant liquefaction mainly in the southern Coachella valley where the two conditions of liquefaction applies; strong shaking and a high ground-water table. However, localized liquefaction is likely to occur in the upper Santa Ana and Santa Clara river basins. In areas of strong shaking and liquefaction, the ground will shift violently back and forth; collapsing thousands of older buildings, shoving houses off foundations, and sending unsecured furniture and objects flying. Such an earthquake event will cause some 1,800 deaths and 53,000 injuries. Fires are very likely to occur. The estimated economic losses total $213 billion due to earthquake shaking and its consequences specifically fires.
Get Ready to ShakeOut
You should participate in the annual Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. You can register at the ShakeOut web site now for the 2010 ShakeOut Drill on October 21 at 10:21 a.m.! It is a great opportunity to learn how to protect yourself and your family during earthquakes, and to get prepared. More than 6.9 million Californians participated in the second annual earthquake drill in 2009. They were reminded to maintain their earthquake preparedness plan by preparing a personal survival kit for each family member and a household emergency kit, and to stockpile emergency food and water for 1-2 weeks to be prepared for the next inevitable earthquake. The magnitude 7.0 Haiti earthquake demonstrates the necessity of earthquake preparedness for anyone living in an active seismic region.
Interesting Fact on Earthquake Insurance in California
Homeowners insurance does not provide coverage for earthquake damage to your home. It is surprising to know that 33% of homes were covered by earthquake insurance in 1996 when the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake was still fresh in people's minds, but in 2006 just 12% of homes maintained coverage, according to California Department of Insurance. Californians living in older homes should re-reconsider buying earthquake insurance as an effective way to manage potential costs of future inevitable earthquakes, especially after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Concluding Remarks
The 2010 Haiti earthquake is a wake up call for Californians to develop, update, or maintain their own earthquake preparedness plans. If you live within 15 miles of an active seismic fault and/or liquefiable area, you should re-consider retrofitting your home and mitigating its contents to protect yourself and your family. The benefits of seismic retrofitting and mitigation go well beyond being simply reducing financial losses. It will make your home safer and help in returning your family much more quickly back to their normal life style. In addition, re-considering earthquake insurance would help in managing potential costs of future earthquakes. Finally, develop an earthquake preparedness plan that includes maintaining emergency food and water for 1-2 weeks along with personal survival kits and a household emergency kit.
California earthquakes are developed by movement of huge blocks of the earth's crust; the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The Pacific Plate is moving northwest, scraping horizontally past the North American Plate at a rate of about 2 inches per year. About two-thirds of this movement occurs on the San Andreas fault and some other parallel faults. Over time, these faults produce about half of the significant earthquakes of the region, as well as many minor earthquakes.
Earthquake Prediction in California
Earthquakes occur suddenly without warning, during any season, and at any time of day or night. Sponsored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), California Geological Survey (CGS), and Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC); the 2007 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities, released the Uniform California Earthquake Forecast (UCERF). It states that California has 99.7% probability of having a moment magnitude Mw = 6.7 earthquake (same as Northridge event) during the next 30 years. The southern segment of San Andreas fault has the highest probability of generating such an earthquake scenario in southern California with a 67% chance of striking the greater Los Angeles area, while Hayward fault is the most likely earthquake source in northern California with a 63% chance of striking the San Francisco bay area. Larger earthquakes are less likely during the same time frame; 94% probability of Mw = 7.0 event, 46% probability of Mw = 7.5 event, and 4.5% probability of Mw = 8.0 event. For all magnitudes, the earthquake is more likely to occur in southern California than in northern California.
Hazards Associated with California Earthquakes
- Liquefaction susceptibility where partially saturated soil deposits may completely lose cohesion during prolonged shaking, behaves like a liquid, and loses their ability to support structures. The highest hazard is in low-lying areas where there are loose, sandy soils or poorly compacted artificial fill. A liquefied sand layer can shoot to the surface through cracks, forming a sand-blow, and depositing sand on the ground. This results in permanent ground deformations such as lateral spreading and settlement, both of which increase the likelihood of damage to buildings and infrastructure. Areas prone to liquefaction include, but not limited to, the southern Coachella valley and the upper Santa Ana river basin in southern California; San Francisco bay area, northwestern Alameda county, and northern Santa Clara valley in northern California as predicted by the USGS.
- Landslide susceptibility where steep sloping areas underlain by loose or soft rock are most susceptible to earthquake-induced landslides, damaging buildings and other structures. Areas prone to landslides include, but not limited to, eastern San Gabriel mountains.
- Surface fault rupture where shallow faults can breakthrough the ground surface as they displace against each other during an earthquake causing severe damage to building and infrastructures.
- Fires where earthquakes in urban areas are often followed by destructive fires because of gas lines break and electrical shorts that may quickly spread due to clogged roads and collapsed bridges that prevent firefighter access, or damaged water tanks that limit water for firefighting. Without fires, the casualty and economic losses would be halved.
- Tsunamis where major earthquakes occurring in the Pacific Ocean may displace the ocean floor, generating tsunami that could affect the West Coast.
Expected Economic Losses focusing on Northern CaliforniaThere is a 62% probability that at least one earthquake of Mw = 6.7 or greater will occur in the San Francisco bay area before 2032. Hayward fault has the highest probability of 27% of generating such earthquake event, while the northern segment of San Andreas fault has a probability of 21%, the Calaveras fault of 11%, and the San Gregorio fault of 10%. It is well-known that soft soils in San Francisco bay area would amplify and prolong the shaking even at great distances from the ruptured fault. Consequently, a repeat of the 1868 Hayward earthquake is expected to cause significant loss of life and extensive damage to homes, businesses, transportation systems and utilities. Several hundred thousand people are likely to be homeless after the earthquake. Economic losses exceeding $120 billion is expected. These losses include damage to buildings and contents, business interruption, and living expenses, with more than 90% of both residential and commercial losses being uninsured.
Expected Economic Losses Focusing on Southern California
A 2008 comprehensive study, known as the ShakeOut scenario earthquake, by the USGS and CGS of a hypothetical Mw = 7.8 earthquake rupturing the southernmost 200 miles of San Andreas fault has been performed. The fault rupture will produce more than 100 seconds of shaking throughout southern California. The event initiates from the epicenter at the Salton Sea producing very strong shaking along the fault as it ruptures until it ends near Lake Hughes. Soil conditions at sites along the fault will generally tend to amplify earthquake shaking. Deep soils in Los Angeles sedimentary basin would generate persistent shaking as the seismic waves are trapped and reverberate. The intensity of shaking will also be strong in San Bernardino valley, in areas prone to landslides mainly in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, and in areas susceptible to significant liquefaction mainly in the southern Coachella valley where the two conditions of liquefaction applies; strong shaking and a high ground-water table. However, localized liquefaction is likely to occur in the upper Santa Ana and Santa Clara river basins. In areas of strong shaking and liquefaction, the ground will shift violently back and forth; collapsing thousands of older buildings, shoving houses off foundations, and sending unsecured furniture and objects flying. Such an earthquake event will cause some 1,800 deaths and 53,000 injuries. Fires are very likely to occur. The estimated economic losses total $213 billion due to earthquake shaking and its consequences specifically fires.
Get Ready to ShakeOut
You should participate in the annual Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. You can register at the ShakeOut web site now for the 2010 ShakeOut Drill on October 21 at 10:21 a.m.! It is a great opportunity to learn how to protect yourself and your family during earthquakes, and to get prepared. More than 6.9 million Californians participated in the second annual earthquake drill in 2009. They were reminded to maintain their earthquake preparedness plan by preparing a personal survival kit for each family member and a household emergency kit, and to stockpile emergency food and water for 1-2 weeks to be prepared for the next inevitable earthquake. The magnitude 7.0 Haiti earthquake demonstrates the necessity of earthquake preparedness for anyone living in an active seismic region.
Interesting Fact on Earthquake Insurance in California
Homeowners insurance does not provide coverage for earthquake damage to your home. It is surprising to know that 33% of homes were covered by earthquake insurance in 1996 when the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake was still fresh in people's minds, but in 2006 just 12% of homes maintained coverage, according to California Department of Insurance. Californians living in older homes should re-reconsider buying earthquake insurance as an effective way to manage potential costs of future inevitable earthquakes, especially after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Concluding Remarks
The 2010 Haiti earthquake is a wake up call for Californians to develop, update, or maintain their own earthquake preparedness plans. If you live within 15 miles of an active seismic fault and/or liquefiable area, you should re-consider retrofitting your home and mitigating its contents to protect yourself and your family. The benefits of seismic retrofitting and mitigation go well beyond being simply reducing financial losses. It will make your home safer and help in returning your family much more quickly back to their normal life style. In addition, re-considering earthquake insurance would help in managing potential costs of future earthquakes. Finally, develop an earthquake preparedness plan that includes maintaining emergency food and water for 1-2 weeks along with personal survival kits and a household emergency kit.
Additional information on California earthquakes and related hazards including illustrative figures and photos can be found at http://hubpages.com/hub/Earthquake-Hazards-in-California My family and I survived the January 17th 1995 Kobe Earthquake although our building partially collapsed. Check my website for additional information on earthquake awareness and preparedness in the United States including earthquake damage photos of Kobe earthquake at http://earthquake-preparedness.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mostafa_EL-Engebawy,_Ph.D. |  |
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