Earthquakes

Earthquakes are natural phenomena caused by the energy released from the movement of tectonic plates on the earth.

The release of energy can cause soil accelerations that could shake and collapse structures if they are not adequately designed.

Earthquakes cannot be predicted yet but we can reduce their possible effects by building strong structures and by being prepared in case they impact our country.

THE RICHTER AND MERCALLI SCALES

The strength and effects of an earthquake are usually measured on two scales:
The Modified Mercalli Scale for testing damage and;
The Richter scale for energy release.
The Mercalli Scale is a numeric scale with Roman numerals that describes the effects of an earthquake, reflecting local seismic destruction.  It was created in 1902 by Italian Geologist Guiseppe Mercalli and is based upon what people in that area feel, and their observations of damage to structures around them.  Since the Mercalli scale is based on observations at the site, it therefore reflects the effects of soil conditions, distance from the epicenter, etc.  Some geologists consider the scale, easier to follow. The scale goes from 1 to 12, or using the descriptive titles of the levels, from Instrumental to Catastrophic.

The Richter Scale developed in 1935 by Charles F. Richter of the California Institute of Technology, is actually a measurement of an earthquake's magnitude (energy released).

The Richter Scale is based on a logarithmic scale or base 10.  That means for each one point increase on the magnitude scale, there is 10 times the amount of energy released.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

  • Top- heavy objects and furniture should be fastened to the wall and the largest and heaviest objects placed on lower shelves.
  • Water heaters and other appliances should be firmly bolted down.
  • Pay special attention to emergency equipment such as radio transmitters and medical equipment.
  • Learn First Aid

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

  • Protect head and face.
  • If inside, stay there, if outside, stay there.
  • If inside a building, stand in a strong doorway, or get under a desk, table or bed.
  • Avoid using elevators as power may fail.
  • If you're in an automobile, don't stop on a bridge, under or near to electrical poles or close to buildings from which debris may fall.
  • If you are in a store or shop, move away from display shelves containing bottles, cans or other objects that may fall.
  • If you are in a wheelchair when the earthquake begins, lock your wheels

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

  • Check for fires
  • Check utilities - shut off if necessary
  • Check your house for serious damage - evacuate if there's threat of collapse.
  • Be prepared for additional earthquake shocks
  • Turn on a transistor for emergency bulletins.
  • Stay away from landslide prone areas.
  • Stay away from buildings that might have been weakened by the earthquake.

ABOUT YOUR PETS

The behaviour of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake.   Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive.  Watch animals closely.

Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.

For further information, call the National Disaster Management Agency at 473-440-8390 or email at nadma@spiceisle.com

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