I heard that there is going to be a huge earthquake in LA. Is it True? What type of damages should I expect?

Answer 1

Within the past one or two weeks, a geological study said that the San Andreas Fault in the Los Angeles region is long overdue for a major shift - it has been hundreds of years since the last similar temblor and the geologists said "pressure is building up."

The Southern California region has responded to earthquakes over the past 35 years with many efforts to improve building standards and replace or re-inforce many buildings that would nut survive well in a substantial 'quake. This save many, many lives during the Northridge 'quake. Nonetheless, there are still numberous structures, especially older apartment homes and houses, that are almost guaranteed to collapse into piles of sticks and stucco if a 7-plus shaker hits the area.

Earthquakes, landslides and wild fires are a guaranteed aspect of life in Southern California. The best steps to take are:

1 - Get one of the local preparedness guides and take the advice seriously. They are free. You can obtain them online or by contacting the fire department, country emergency services office, or any newspaper.

2 - Visit the local city or county planning and building license office and ask them to show you the seismic maps. They know which neighborhoods are on soil more likely to suffer damage according to the kind of soil and subsurface, and they can point you to areas where building standards meet a much higher level of earthquake resistance. Whatever you do, avoid living and working in some of the older buildings with lots of brick that has not been re-inforced for seismic saftey.

3 - Make sure your insurance policies include earthquake coverage. Many do not - earthquakes are defined as an "act of God" and excluded from coverage.

I was in Burbank, recovering from back surgery two days earlier, when the Northridge quake hit. Although many miles from the epicenter, my two-story fourplex building was terrifically shaken - it move a good distance sideways on its foundation. Fortunately neither our pipes nor our building was otherwise harmed. Good, thing, since at that time I was barely able to walk and could not so much as lift a bottle of water. We did have a rudimentary emergncy kit and got through a few days without water, electricity, gas, or phone service with little difficulty. But I remember the horrors of the tent camps all over town and the great difficulties of thousands after that event. We set up a much more comprehensive emergency kit after that.

You should of course know that sometimes your kit gets buried in what had been your home. So if you have an alternative location nearby - maybe even the back of the car - keep at least some water, canned or packaged food, and a blanket in case it becomes necessary.

There's nowhere in America secure against the risk of natural disaster. the best we can do is understand what happens and how to be ready.

Answer 2

It's not that simple. There is always the possibility of a huge earthquake in L.A., but they can't predict when, how big or what type of movement. We have hundreds of little quakes weekly, most of which you don't feel. These can help bleed off pressure. You should always have some extra supplies, like water, food, first aide, etc, but don't get in a dooms day mode because no one really knows. Unlike hurricanes and tornadoes, there is no advance warning per se. It will just happen. The Northridge earthquake was a 6.9 and did a lot of damage because of the type of movement. If we get an 8 or 9, there will be widespread damage and you should be prepared to take care of yourself for at least a couple weeks.

But!!!!...that's if it happens and no one really knows if it will. Additionally, there's nothing you can do about it except be prepared, so no sense worrying. Here's an interesting site.

http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/recenteqs/latest.htm

PS...the relocated ocean front property issue is a myth. So Cal is made up a numerous plates that move, not one big one that will slide into the occean :o)

Answer 3

With every day pass, our country is getting into more and more trouble. The inflation, unemployment and falling value of dollar are the main concern for our Government but authorities are just sleeping, they don’t want to face the fact. Media is also involve in it, they are force to stop showing the real economic situation to the people. I start getting more concern about my future as well as my family after watching the response of our Government for the people that affected by hurricane Katrina.

According to recent studies made by World Bank, the coming crisis will be far worse than initially predicted. So if you're already preparing for the crisis (or haven't started yet) make sure you watch this video at http://www.familysurvival.tv and discover the 4 BIG issues you'll have to deal with when the crisis hits, and how to solve them fast (before the disaster strikes your town!) without spending $1,000s on overrated items and useless survival books.

Answer 4

Of coarse there is going to be a big earth quake. The damage will be extensive. If its big enough Az. and Nv. will have ocean front property for sale.

Answer 5

going to be? yeah, could be today, could be 100 years from now.. NO ONE can predict when an earthquake will happen..