Why earthquake preparedness?
“Knowledge and preparation” is the key to survival in the event of an earthquake. It is everyone’s hope that a great earthquake won’t strike. However, the question is not really whether it will happen, but when. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates there is more than a 50% chance that a great quake will strike California within the next 5 20 years. Quakes are most likely to strike in known active seismic areas, but occasionally occur in areas thought to be inactive. Previously unknown faults are continually being discovered. Most Human Injuries Are Caused by Building Contents Rather Than Structures Failing. Experts estimate that a great earthquake in Southern California would kill from 3,000 to 14,000 people, injure 12,000 to 55,000 severely enough to require hospitalization, and cause more than $60 billion in damage. Even moderate shakes can cause extensive damage. Recent examples include the 1983 Coalinga quake (Richter 6.7) and two in the Los Angeles area: the Whittier quake of 1987
