A powerful wave of energy moves beneath your feet, knocking you over. The ground violently shakes, glass rattles, and big buildings sway side to side. Earthquake!
The earth’s crust is split into several plates which are constantly moving. Even though this movement is occurring at a slow rate, the resulting impact on the earth is significant. These plates can collide, separate, or slide past each other. The movement of the plates in different directions causes breaks to form in the earth’s crust. These breaks are known as faults. The faults tend to become locked in position, due to all of the friction that is happening. However, even though these faults become locked, the tectonic forces continue. The forces on these faults build up and eventually release. This surge of energy that’s released is the earthquake that we feel.
Map of the Major Tectonic Plates of the world
from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blatantworld/5051807235/
Earthquakes are estimated to occur 500,000 times a year. In Canada alone, there are over 4,000 earthquakes annually. Many of these earthquakes happen without us noticing them, while other quakes are more severe and result in damage, and even death. There are many different outlets dedicated to keeping track of all the earthquakes that are happening, such as EarthquakesCanada, which is a website run by Natural Resources Canada.
Being prepared for an earthquake is the best, and only, way to deal with this natural disaster. A community’s preparedness for an earthquake is determined by several factors. For example, how well the surrounding infrastructure would hold up and emergency survival kits in the homes of the community members represents the preparedness of people. Since these quakes are happening often, one would assume that anyone who could be affected by an earthquake would be prepared and knowledgeable about earthquakes. However, many local communities are not as prepared for earthquakes as they need to be.
Picture of destruction of Haiti after an earthquake
from: http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-4274634000
A recent investigation by an insurance company in Canada discussed the lack of preparedness of Canadian cities for if an earthquake struck. They talked about how many buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and fire halls, need to be made earthquake proof. Also, the insurers recommend investing in our electrical and transportation systems in Canadian cities to prepare for these unavoidable quakes. If these protection plans are put into place now, the financial and mortality damages caused by an earthquake can be significantly lowered.
An Earthquake Emergency Survival Kit
from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/globalx/5532445369/
A survey conducted showed that 60% of Canadians do not have an emergency survival kit in their homes, and 70% do not even have an emergency plan. Shockingly, these people are all living in a country that experiences thousands of earthquakes a year. This lack of preparedness in the majority of homes of Canadians can result in unnecessary damages, injuries, and death. In order to protect themselves, families must implement an emergency plan for their homes. However, it is not just the initial emergency that is of concern. After an earthquake has occurred, families must ensure they are equipped with the right tools necessary to properly survive.
When an earthquake strikes, will you be prepared?
By: Nadia Kari
