Don’t Be Caught Napping

Southern Californians who had forgotten that April is Earthquake Preparedness Month received a few wake-up calls over the weekend. They came in the form of magnitude 5.0, 4.9 and 4.0 aftershocks, the most powerful occurring in the early morning hours.

For many who were startled awake, it was all too similar to the devastating 6.7 Northridge earthquake, which struck at 4:31 a.m. Jan. 17, 1994. In fact, this weekend’s 5.0 aftershock and all but one of the approximately 80 other temblors that came in quick succession were part of the Northridge wind-down and were to be expected. The only oddity was the unusually close grouping.

If the series was part of any kind of precursor event, such as building pressure on another fault, the future quake might not occur for decades or even centuries, seismologists say. Still, the temblors provided a stark reminder of the continual threat the region faces and re-emphasized the need to be prepared. What’s most important? A planned escape route from your home; enough provisions (including such things as prescribed medicines) for three days. And don’t forget to check those flashlight batteries. The next big earthquake will provide enough of a surprise. Don’t compound it by ignoring this simple advice.