View Full Version : Great California Shakeout 10/21/10
JWBear
10-14-2010, 02:34 PM
The Big One is coming. (http://www.shakeout.org/) Are you ready?
Yes I am. I'm in Delaware for the week. When I get back I won't be prepared.
But that is by plan. If I prepare for an earthquake then no earthquake will happen. I want a big earthquake to happen so I'm locked in a battle of wills with the universe.
Cadaverous Pallor
10-15-2010, 05:03 PM
What irks me is that I really don't know where I should hide during the earthquake itself. Instructions like this (http://redcrossla.org/news/what-to-do-and-not-do-during-an-earthquake) aren't helpful. The only piece of furniture I can get under in our place is the dining room table, but that is right next to our sliding glass windows. Should I hide there anyway? What about when I'm upstairs and nowhere near a table? Perhaps jump onto the bed? Since this says doorways aren't helpful at least I don't have to worry about that anymore. Doorways often have doors in them, which can flap around and whack you. Are hallways more structurally sound? Also, if Theo is down for a nap and if I'm in our bedroom, should I run down the hall past the stairway, or is it too possible to fall down the stairs?
Where's my friendly neighborhood door-to-door earthquake advice person?
sleepyjeff
10-15-2010, 05:46 PM
What irks me is that I really don't know where I should hide during the earthquake itself. Instructions like this (http://redcrossla.org/news/what-to-do-and-not-do-during-an-earthquake) aren't helpful. The only piece of furniture I can get under in our place is the dining room table, but that is right next to our sliding glass windows. Should I hide there anyway? What about when I'm upstairs and nowhere near a table? Perhaps jump onto the bed? Since this says doorways aren't helpful at least I don't have to worry about that anymore. Doorways often have doors in them, which can flap around and whack you. Are hallways more structurally sound? Also, if Theo is down for a nap and if I'm in our bedroom, should I run down the hall past the stairway, or is it too possible to fall down the stairs?
Where's my friendly neighborhood door-to-door earthquake advice person?
Just have three of these >> http://www.discountsafetygear.com/ hanging on the walls of every room....:D
alphabassettgrrl
10-16-2010, 03:33 PM
I would think that during the shaking, you don't want to run anywhere. Stay put, somewhere, so that you don't get hurt. It'll stop in a second, then go where you need to.
I think specific information is less useful than a general guide that you use to look at your own home and determine your course of action. Prethinking, so that you have a clue where you want to be when we get a shaker.
In our house, we can't get under the bed, so I'd get as close to the wall as I could. In the living room, no tables to get under, so again, close to the wall. I think a hallway is a decent choice in a quake- there's usually fewer items to fall on you, and one of the walls in the center of the house is probably a load-bearing wall. Bathrooms are probably good shelter places- smaller rooms, maybe more stable.
Not Afraid
10-16-2010, 08:38 PM
The worst thing you can do in an earthquake is to move or run. I hope I'm in bed with the pugs, cats and Chris.
JWBear
10-16-2010, 10:21 PM
I figure that, since our house survived the '33 quake ok, I'm not going to worry about it if I'm home when it happens.
Kevy Baby
10-17-2010, 01:20 PM
The worst thing you can do in an earthquake is to move or run. I hope I'm in bed with the pugs, cats and Chris.But you know you will be on the phone in the bathroom.
Morrigoon
10-17-2010, 01:25 PM
I would think if under the bed isn't possible, then huddled up next to it on the floor might be 2nd choice
alphabassettgrrl
10-17-2010, 08:57 PM
Depends on what is likely to fall on you- pictures? lamps? bookshelves? During the 1994 earthquake we had a tall floor lamp come down. Could have hurt us if it had fallen on us.
I figure that, since our house survived the '33 quake ok, I'm not going to worry about it if I'm home when it happens.
I'm trying to decide if that is sound logic or if it is the architectural equivalent of "grandpa fell off a roof in 1943 without so much as a scratch so I'm not worried about him up there installing Christmas lights."
BarTopDancer
10-17-2010, 09:08 PM
If you are in bed, the best thing to do is to stay there and cover your head with a pillow
WOO! My plan will actually keep me safe.
alphabassettgrrl
10-17-2010, 09:49 PM
I figure that, since our house survived the '33 quake ok, I'm not going to worry about it if I'm home when it happens.
"Survived a few quakes" was one of the things I wanted when we were considering buying a home. Maybe it's faulty logic, but I figure it's better than an untested house.
If you are in bed, the best thing to do is to stay there and cover your head with a pillow
Or, with a construction helmet, if you have one handy.
(Pic unrelated)
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z1/Tref_foto/1283739176897.jpg
RStar
10-17-2010, 11:43 PM
I have heard that in a bed is pretty safe, but do not EVER go under a bed or any other furnature (the Duck & Cover under a school desk from the 50's was a bad idea). The best place is next to them. In the rubble of a damaged building, the survivors are next to things that held up chunks of buildings causing safe spaces.
BarTopDancer
10-18-2010, 08:18 AM
I have heard that in a bed is pretty safe, but do not EVER go under a bed or any other furnature (the Duck & Cover under a school desk from the 50's was a bad idea). The best place is next to them. In the rubble of a damaged building, the survivors are next to things that held up chunks of buildings causing safe spaces.
The information on the website is saying duck and cover (and hold) is still the safest method.
JWBear
10-18-2010, 08:25 AM
I have heard that in a bed is pretty safe, but do not EVER go under a bed or any other furnature (the Duck & Cover under a school desk from the 50's was a bad idea). The best place is next to them. In the rubble of a damaged building, the survivors are next to things that held up chunks of buildings causing safe spaces.
The "Triangle of Life" theory was invented by a guy trying to sell his rescue "expertise" and his books. No credible agency or structural engineer recomends it. "Duck and cover" is still the best advice.
I'm still trying to find a credible agency to endorse the "Shout '**** Happens' and Enjoy the Ride" approach.
Kevy Baby
10-18-2010, 09:37 AM
I'm still trying to find a credible agency to endorse the "Shout '**** Happens' and Enjoy the Ride" approach.I'ld endorse that!
But I'm not an agency and I am certainly not credible.
Moonliner
10-18-2010, 09:54 AM
Would it be wrong of me to hope for a major earthquake at like 9:00am on 10/21?
Betty
10-18-2010, 10:20 AM
I'm about 10 feet from the door and into a parking lot... but have to pass next to a large freestanding piece of furniture unless I jump over the reception desk thingy. Guess I'll have to duck and cover and then run later.
Where? In DC? Yes, that would be wrong since I won't be there and would have missed it by only a day and a hundred miles.
In SF? That's fine for me, I'll pencil it in.
JWBear
10-18-2010, 11:15 AM
I'm about 10 feet from the door and into a parking lot... but have to pass next to a large freestanding piece of furniture unless I jump over the reception desk thingy. Guess I'll have to duck and cover and then run later.
Make sure to watch out for falling glass and other debris as you exit the building. And once in the parking lot, get ready to dodge cars and falling lamp posts! (All the while trying to stay on your feet as the ground under them moves violently.)
JWBear
10-21-2010, 10:16 AM
5 minutes!
Not Afraid
10-21-2010, 10:29 AM
I'd better go pee and call someone.
Ghoulish Delight
10-21-2010, 10:32 AM
I didn't feel it.
Ghoulish Delight
10-21-2010, 10:35 AM
I of course meant the fake earthquake, not NA's pee.
Though I didn't feel that either.
BarTopDancer
10-21-2010, 10:36 AM
Me either. If one hits at work I'll die from all the crap* falling off the shelves in my office.
*And by crap I mean computers and monitors. Oh and the giant projection screen.
€uroMeinke
10-21-2010, 10:41 AM
We had our drill 30 minutes early. I supose that was meant to create some element of surprise after getting detailed evacuation instructions this morning.
CoasterMatt
10-21-2010, 10:51 AM
Do not panic.
JWBear
10-21-2010, 11:42 AM
We had one lady who didn't get under her desk. Her excuse was that, in the event of a real earthquake, she would be running out the door in wild panic - screaming her lungs out; therefore she did not need to practice getting under her desk.
Moonliner
10-21-2010, 12:19 PM
Damn!
Close but no cigar.
Magnitude 6.9 - GULF OF CALIFORNIA (http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/21/6-9-magnitude-quake-strikes-mexicos-pacific-coast/?hpt=T2)
11:53:14am
Our building sent out an email warning that the city's sirens would be going off (normarlly they go off Tuesday's at noon). I didn't even hear them.
Kevy Baby
10-21-2010, 03:46 PM
We had one lady who didn't get under her desk. Her excuse was that, in the event of a real earthquake, she would be running out the door in wild panic - screaming her lungs out; therefore she did not need to practice getting under her desk.Seems logical to me
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