Surviving Earthquakes While in a Car
Quake Activity in the US: Today's Recorded Earthquakes as of Tuesday, June 3rd
Got caught in a rattle during a drive? Here's what you gotta do:
- Find a clear spot: Pull over to the side of the road, keeping a safe distance from buildings, trees, and power lines.
- Stay calm: Panicking won't help anything, so take deep breaths and keep a cool head.
- Exit the vehicle: Get out of the car to find solid ground.
- Move away: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle and any potential hazards, like buildings, trees, or power lines.
Now, let's settle a few terms:
- Earthquake: In everyday speak, this refers to any shaking of the Earth's crust, whether mild or severe.
- Seismic Event: When the seismic waves wreak havoc, causing damage and casualties, we call it a seismic event.
Pro tip: If you're stuck in the car and can't get out, stay seated, protect your head with your arms, and brace yourself for the shaking.
Earthquakes vs Tremors
In essence, an earthquake is a broad term for any seismic movement. On the other hand, a tremor refers to those seismic events that were so intense they caused damage and casualties.
Where do Earthquakes Typically Hit the US?
The US West Coast is on high alert due to its close proximity to the "Ring of Fire" in the Pacific Ocean—one of the most active seismic and volcanic zones in the world. Central states, with their mountainous regions, can also experience earthquakes.
According to a study by experts from the USGS, almost 75% of the US territory lies at risk of experiencing damaging earthquakes in the future. Some of the states listed as high risk include Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. However, California, Alaska, and Hawaii remain the states most susceptible to earthquakes.
The cities with the highest risk of experiencing an earthquake are San Jose, Vallejo, and San Diego in California. This is due to the geological faults beneath their territories, which can trigger seismic waves.
Strongest Earthquakes in US History
- Alaska Earthquake (1964): Happened on March 27, 1964, with a magnitude of 9.2. Epicenter located in south-central Alaska. Caused deaths of 139 people and major damage.
- San Francisco Earthquake (1906): Occurred on April 18, 1906, with a magnitude of 7.9. Epicenter was in San Francisco Bay. Caused over 3,000 deaths and major damage in California.
- Charleston Earthquake (1886): Happened on August 31, 1886, with a magnitude of 7.3. Epicenter was in Charleston, South Carolina. Caused over 600 deaths and major damage.
- Long Beach Earthquake (1933): Occurred on March 10, 1933, with a magnitude of 6.4. Epicenter was in Long Beach, California. Resulted in over 120 deaths and major damage.
- Loma Prieta Earthquake (1989): Took place on October 17, 1989, with a magnitude of 6.9. Epicenter was in the San Francisco Bay Area. Resulted in over 60 deaths.
Earthquakes vs Seismic Events vs Tremors
Bottom line, earthquakes and seismic events are interchangeable terms. However, if the seismic events are slightly intense, they are referred to as tremors. If the intensity is high and causes casualties or significant infrastructure damage, we call it a seismic event.
Stay safe, folks!
- Keeping up with the latest news, it's worth knowing that earthquakes, seismic events, and tremors are often part of political discussions and policy-and-legislation, especially when considering disaster response and preparedness in areas prone to these phenomena.
- In the realm of general-news, it's important to stay updated on the various intensity levels of seismic events, such as earthquakes and tremors, as they can have a significant impact on the local populace and infrastructure, which may necessitate policy changes and legislative action.
