Earthquake Preparedness Press Release Essay

How rat my family be prep atomic number 18d for an quake? This ch solelyenge haunts countless re statusnts in the Los Angeles bea every day. Hopefully we here at the Earthquake Preparedness Center can shed rough luminousness on how you can protect your family. My name is Darin gird and I am the Director of Earthquake Preparedness for Los Angeles. As with any danger, knowledge of the proceeds is of upmost importance. Some questions that should be asked by anyone who wants to defend their home against temblors are What are the origins and causes of earthquakes and what is the relation of earthquakes to nursing home tectonics and faults in Los Angeles? What are some historical disasters associated with earthquakes? What are the hazards associated with earthquakes? What is the potential for future earthquakes in the Los Angeles line of business?Earthquakes are started at the Earths crust. Our planet is made up of assorted eggshells which float on a layer of molten materia l or magma much like potato chips would float on top of a bowl of water. Scientists believe there could be as many as 12 dwellings that make up Earths crust. These p after-hourss move freely like bumper cars pulling external from from each one other, moving side to side or askantly, and even smashing into each other. The proof behind plate tectonics lies in mountain ranges and island chains like the Hawaiian Islands, both(prenominal) are products of plate tectonics. Earthquakes originate from plate boundaries called faults. The tension and movement amongst the at odds(p) faults is what causes the transgress waves referred to as an earthquake. When the pressure between two conflicting plates is too much for the rock material to support, they can shift or break dramatically. The exact underground point where this occurs is the focus. Many people are familiar with the above ground version of the focus called the epicenter. When the plates crack or shift, shock waves are sent ou t from the focus.These waves come in one-third forms Primary, Secondary, and Surface. The surface wave is the one which causes damage to our cities and homes. Unfortunately, Los Angeles is dictated over an earthquake hot bed. at that place are two different kinds of plate boundaries located under the Los Angeles area. The first is called a transform plate boundary. In a transform boundary, such as the San Andres Fault, plates move in a lateral motion. Imagine victorious two pieces of rough cut wood and slide them against one another. When the force applied exceeds the ability of the splinters holding them together, they parapraxis and then catch again when it meets new, stronger material. This is called strike-slip affect which is produced by transform plate boundaries. The other type of boundary located in the Los Angeles area is called a convergent boundary. Convergent boundaries are located where two plates are colliding into each other.The grinding and crushing action of t he two converging plates send shock waves out just as the transform boundary does. Los Angeles has been battling the effects of plate tectonics for centuries. The Los Angeles area has suffered several major events in recent history. The Fort Tejon Earthquake took place in 1857 and tremors from this quake were felt over 350,000 significant kilometers (USGS, 2012). The Fort Tejon Earthquake was one of the largest in California history and originated at a strike-slip boundary. The Parkfield Earthquake of 1901 was an event we all hope never happens again. over 700 people woolly-headed their lives that day due to the tremors which originated from the San Andres Fault (USGS, 2012). In 1994 a major event struck which killed many, injured thousands, and destroyed billions of dollars worth of lieu. There were also major events which took place in 1881, 1922, 1934, 1966, and most recently 2004 where property was damaged and even worse lives were lost.The hazards involved in an earthquake are countless. As stated earlier, the major damage causing force of an earthquake is the surface wave. The surface wave causes ground tremors that can knock construct off their foundations and bring bridges crumbling down. If you are inside, either find the strongest area of the room or get under a table or desk and stay there. If you are caught outdoors get into the open, as far away from buildings, power lines, or any other type of tall or overhead structures. Another major hazard brought about by an earthquake is fire. Many times tremors from earthquakes can bring down power lines and displume gas mains. In an event where you witness fallen power lines or leaking gas main, please move as far away from them as possible and contact rescue force as soon as possible.Crumbling dams and levees can also lead to flooding in some areas. Stresses in certain structures like dams and levees tend to not present themselves until it is too late to escape the rising water. You should evacuate the area until safety and rescue personnel have had time to clear the area and inspect the affected structure. We can say, without hesitation, the earthquake activity in the Los Angeles is here to stay. Since we are located presently over plate boundaries, we will continue to see seismic events. nursing home tectonics, the driving force of earthquakes, is a natural process which has formed the changing world we live in today. Science Daily, a leading newspaper publisher of science news, recently published an article titled California Has to a greater extent Than 99% Chance of a expectant Earthquake within 30 Years, Report Shows (Science Daily, 2008).While the actual statistic is a 49% chance of a 7.5 or greater earthquake striking in the next 30 years, we are certain that seismic events will continue to plaque the city (Science Daily, 2008). Unfortunately, many of the lives lost in earthquake events could be prevented by taking precautionary steps in our everyday lives. Howeve r, due to an increased race and congested city centers it is possible there could be more lives lost today if a major event were to strike. Please take all precautionary measures to keep you and your family safe during an earthquake. For a full list of ways to keep safe before, during, and after an earthquake, please visit www.consrv.ca.gov , click on Earthquakes and follow the link to What to do if an earthquake strikes. Remember, being prepared whitethorn save your life.Reference PageCalifornia Department of Conservation. (2007). What to do in an Earthquake. Retrieved fromhttp//www.consrv.ca.gov/index/Earthquakes/Pages/qh_earthquakes_what.aspx ScienceDaily. (Apr. 15, 2008). California Has More Than 99% Chance Of A Big Earthquake Within 30 Years, Report Shows. Retrieved fromhttp//www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414203459.htm USGS. (2012). California Earthquake History. Retrieved fromhttp//earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/calcium/history.php USGS. (2012). 1857 Fort Tejon Earthquake. Retrieved fromhttp//earthquake.usgs.gov/research/parkfield/1857.phpUSGS. (2012). 1901 Parkfield Earthquake. Retrieved fromhttp//earthquake.usgs.gov/research/parkfield/1901.php