A. Which scenario should someone in San Diego be more concerned about, a magnitu

Question

A. Which scenario should someone in San Diego be more concerned about, a magnitude 8.1 on the stretch of the San Andreas Fault from the Salton Sea to San Bernardino, Wrightwood and Palmdale, or a magnitude 7.1 on the offshore portion of the Rose Canyon / Newport-Inglewood Fault (Dana Point to LaJolla)? Explain your answer.

B. What steps should you take to lessen the effects of an earthquake to you and your loved ones? Remember, you will be responsible for taking care of yourself for three days with no power, no cell service and streets impassible. Think about your furniture, your food and water supplies, medications, etc.

C. Just for fun, think about the worst place(s) to be when a big earthquake strikes. (I know that after the Northridge quake in 1994, I neither wanted to be on top of an overpass, nor stopped under one!)

Explanation / Answer

Answer A: The scenario with Magnitude 7.1 on the offshore portion of the Rose Canyon/ Newport-Inglewood fault should be more concerned. Because even with 8.1 magnitude on the stretch of the San Andreas fault would cause very little damage compared to Rose Canyon fault.

Even though San Diego doesn't have a history of major earthquakes, but earthquakes hit without warning and occur often in unexpected places. Compared to San Andreas fault, Rose canyon location is interlinked with many complications like the earthquake can create wildfires, and the fault is located to the city center and economic hubs, gas lines across Rose Canyon fault can even worse the situation by explosions. So by considering all these factors people in Rose canyon fault should be more concerned compared to San Andreas fault.

Answer B. Even with our advanced technologies it is still impossible to predict when an earthquake is about to happen. But we can reduce the effects in advance. Some of them are:

1. Build earthquake resistant buildings to stay safe in places like Japan where the probability of earthquakes are relatively more compared to other places. So during construction shock absorbers are to be planned for the building to sway even during earthquake, this can save lives as well as buildings.

2. Organise emergency plans as it is my responsibility to take care of my loved ones. So without confusion I need to know what to do and how to handle the situation and quickly grab packaged and tinned foods(because assume there will be no electricity supply for days during and after earthquake so we cannot cook). Also get more than required drinking water cans or bottles because you may not be able to step out of your place after the disaster. So I'll be prepared with food and water sufficient for atleast three to four days.

3. Purchase Medical kit or medical equipment for first aid atleast. I cannot risk anyone's life and to stay safe in advance go for medical supplies.

4. Apart from all these safety measures I would really like to evacuate my place and reach safe area. I can build a home again even after earthquake but first and most important thing is to stay alive. So for a moment I can forget my property, furniture and valuables. I'll just take my family and loved ones to safest area possible.

Answer C. The worst places to be when a big earthquake strikes:

1. OLD BUILDINGS: Even for small quakes the slab can crack and fall off

2. In any Building where soil with high water content. Because soil can liquify and the shaking caused due to earthquake makes the situation even worse.

3. The closer to the epicenter, the worser your position is. So stay away.

4. Any place in the world when you're ALONE is not a good idea during a big earthquake. Try to be in groups and be safe

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