Posted on Monday, June 1st, 2009 by Shachar Pessis
QuakeQuiz – The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) estimates that several million earthquakes occur in the world each year, with most of them categorized as minor. Nevertheless, according to long-term records (since about 1900), we should expect about 17 major earthquakes (7.0 – 7.9 in Richter’s Magnitude Scale), and one major earthquake (8.0 or above) in any given year. With these statistics, there is a solid chance each one of us will witness an earth quake within his lifetime. One cannot really do anything to prevent seismic earth quakes – it’s all up to Mother Nature. What we can do however, is educate ourselves on how to act when such an event occurs.
The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management has created an innovative website that simulates earth quakes in different locations and occasions, and recommends the associated ‘to-dos.’ I was surprised to learn that if you are in the midst of an earth quake while in bed, you should stay in bed and cover your head with the pillow. I always thought I was supposed to get under the bed or stand underneath a door frame. Watch below a live video of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
