Massive Quake in Chile...we need to wake up!

[mysticaltyger]

Yes, I heard about the big earthquake in Chile and thought the same thing. We just had a decent sized one in San Jose, where I live. I found it un-nerving to say the least.

[fizbin]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

Yes, I heard about the big earthquake in Chile and thought the same thing. We just had a decent sized one in San Jose, where I live. I found it un-nerving to say the least.

How long have you been here? Really, that quake was nothing . . .

[ladysrodgers]

Originally Posted by redwoodlvr

ABC News: Major Quake Kills 2 in Northern Chile

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g203/crystalsbones/earthquake.jpg (broken link)

This could really, really happen anywhere in CaliFornia. It seems like we should take heed and help those in other countries who get slammed with a big quake as well as really get a clue and prepare ourselves. Inevitably a major quake will hit the Hayward, San Andreas or the other fault lines. I personally am not really great about earthquake preparedness and this is waking me up!

Two people died and hundreds are displaced/injured in Chile. People died and suffered awful injuries in the Loma Prieta Quake in '89. It's no joke. Get prepared and have your emergency plan ready.

I'm going to start today.

Earthquake Store - Emergency Supplies Checklist

Earthquake Education: Bay Area Community Resources (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/earthquakes/archive/quakeresources.dtl - broken link)

It is a reminder for earthquake preparedness. Those of us who went through the Loma Prieta in 89 remember all too well.

[ukiyo-e]

That supply list is good, but I would add that after Loma Prieta, I decided that I needed to keep a few things in my car trunk at all times, in case I was away from home in the car when a large quake struck:

1. Old sneakers and a pair of socks, in case I didn't have good walking shoes on at the time. If the overpasses come down, you might need to abandon your car and walk someplace quite far for shelter or to get home.

2. A few things for my then-baby, like disposable diapers and some juice and food.

3. A box of granola bars or some such. Replace all the food every few months so it's fresh if you need it.

4. A gallon of drinking water.

And no matter where you are, you need cash. Although a few of our neighborhood stores stayed open after LP, it was dark inside and their credit/debit/ATM machines were down. The gas station pumps were also down, so I learned that in the Bay Area it's not the best idea to run your tank down too low. You never know when you won't be able to fill it.