2008 Woodie Awards
Life on fault line means be prepared
Heather Roland
Issue date: 2/27/07 Section: Campus News
George said that these pipelines have sensors on them that would shut off the lines if a large earthquake were to occur.
Individuals also were encouraged to purchase seismic valves for their homes that would shut off their gas in the event of an earthquake. This would help prevent explosions, fires and other dangers. The important thing to remember is that you should not turn off your gas valve if you don't know how or if you don't have a seismic valve, George said; officials do not want you to get hurt.
While earthquakes can be intimidating, it is definitely possible to survive a large earthquake, as well as for your home to remain habitable.
If an earthquake occurs, get under something sturdy and hold onto its base or leg to ensure that it does not fall over.
If you cannot get under something sturdy, get in the doorway or corner of a room. The studs of the building will help protect you. Also, try to protect your head as much as possible. Another important thing to remember, officials said, is to not run outside. Staying in one place and trying to seek shelter is more helpful than trying to run outside.
Dr. Steve Horton, a U.S.G.S. scientist, said the most common problems with houses during an earthquake are that they shift off their foundations. He also said that single-family homes tend to be better in sustaining damage, and that homes are more flexible if they have a wood frame.
"Not everything is going to fall down," Horton said. "It is not going to be complete devastation. Make sure you prepare yourself, however."
Union City Police Chief Joe Garner agreed:
"The ones who prepare the best do the best in a disaster."
Individuals also were encouraged to purchase seismic valves for their homes that would shut off their gas in the event of an earthquake. This would help prevent explosions, fires and other dangers. The important thing to remember is that you should not turn off your gas valve if you don't know how or if you don't have a seismic valve, George said; officials do not want you to get hurt.
While earthquakes can be intimidating, it is definitely possible to survive a large earthquake, as well as for your home to remain habitable.
If an earthquake occurs, get under something sturdy and hold onto its base or leg to ensure that it does not fall over.
If you cannot get under something sturdy, get in the doorway or corner of a room. The studs of the building will help protect you. Also, try to protect your head as much as possible. Another important thing to remember, officials said, is to not run outside. Staying in one place and trying to seek shelter is more helpful than trying to run outside.
Dr. Steve Horton, a U.S.G.S. scientist, said the most common problems with houses during an earthquake are that they shift off their foundations. He also said that single-family homes tend to be better in sustaining damage, and that homes are more flexible if they have a wood frame.
"Not everything is going to fall down," Horton said. "It is not going to be complete devastation. Make sure you prepare yourself, however."
Union City Police Chief Joe Garner agreed:
"The ones who prepare the best do the best in a disaster."
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