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The Life and Mind of DamnBlackHeart
This is to help me stay actively writing. So expect to see rants, tips on writing, thoughts on subjects, me complaining of boredom, reviews, anime, movies, video games, conventions, tv shows and whatever life throws at me.
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Japan is one of the top countries in the world who has their buildings up to code for massive quakes. The buildings are designed to sway and not topple if an earthquake hits. At least for earthquakes that aren't 8.9 and are followed by a 30-foot tsunami. But that's not something I think the U.S. would be able to handle if it ever happen in another part of the states. Point is, is everyone in the US prepared or know what to do if something similar happen? Do you have a plan to escape, and somewhere to go if you need to; if many transport systems and phone lines are out? How will YOU cope, and what have you learned from Japan's tragedy?
I know Japan is better prepared because they NEED to be. They're located right on an earthquake hotspot which is known as the ring of fire, so naturally their architecture (at least some of it - not all of Japan is properly equipped) is designed to withstand the environment. Along with other areas in the world, that are prepared for it like Hawaii, New Zealand, California, etc. because those places are sitting on major fault lines too. Other places don't require or take the same safety precautions because the chances of an earthquake of that magnitude happening is virtually nonexistent. It'd end up being a waste of resources instead.
At least that's what some say and they're wrong. It can happen and I rather be safe than sorry. Which is why I feel like every child should at least have some knowledge and skills taught in school to survive, and handle the most common disaster situations (and not just what usually happens). Why? Because maybe one day it might come in handy and save their life. Honesty, not everyone stays in one place so maybe they'll visited Japan or California one day, only to face more than a normal earthquake. Maybe something unexpected like a freak hurricane happens? Or a new fault line appears where they live? It's a good idea to be educated on those things because their survival chance of what to do would decrease if they don't know it, especially if they are alone and have no one around to help or tell them what to do.
Even if nothing happens, it doesn't hurt to be ready for it. No one in Japan was expecting an earthquake of that size, let alone a tsunami to be right behind it. Again, educating people whether it's in school or giving them a pamphlet or free booklet about what they can do in ANY disaster situation might help them. Even if it only increases people's chance of survival by 1 percent. It's still more than enough to make a difference. Here's an example: Many don't pay attention or are not even aware of this but there are earthquakes in New Jersey too. Though they don't get that many and are minor quakes, it could change in the future into something much worst.
Fault lines are everywhere too, in NJ there's the Ramapo Fault which separates the Piedmont and Highlands Physiographic Provinces. In 1884 it was blamed for a damaging New York City earthquake (magnitude of 5.5) simply because it was the only large fault mapped at the time. Subsequent investigations have shown the 1884 earthquake epicenter was actually located in Brooklyn, New York, at least 25 miles from the Ramapo Fault.
Datas have showed that the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan, is an example of what might happen in New Jersey. It registered a magnitude 7.2 on the Richter scale and produced widespread destruction. Also, NJ is overdue for a moderate earthquake and apparently if NJ was to get an quake magnitude of 5.5 severe damage would result of it because there are a lot of buildings that aren't as up-to-date like those in Hawaii, California, etc. So building and housing codes need to be updated and strictly enforced to properly prepare for inevitable future earthquakes.
That's a good example of why it's important to be aware if where you live and if it's a possibility. All my life I thought NJ would never get quakes only to learn years ago that it does. It was only recently that I realized that there is a possibility that it could become worst...maybe in 10 years? Maybe in 20? Or 100 years later. It will happen at some point. So if it is possible, it's better to know what to do if it happens than be caught off guard. So educate yourself if you aren't prepared and those around you. And never think that nothing will happen because you'll never know until it's too late.
 DamnBlackHeart · Tue Mar 15, 2011 @ 06:05am · 0 Comments |
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