#earthquake-preparedness

#earthquake-preparedness

Since 2011, the event has included a large-scale earthquake drill -- bringing together military and local agencies to test disaster response. But this year, federal and military support is limited. The drill took place Tuesday at Piers 30/32. Multiple agencies and private companies participated, preparing for a catastrophic event, the scenario was a major, 7.8 earthquake. The exercise focused on how San Francisco would keep communication lines open and supplies moving in the aftermath of a catastrophic event.

If an earthquake strikes, experts say to drop to your hands and knees, and either crawl under a cover like a table or against a wall away from windows. Grab hold of something sturdy and stay crouched down, covering your head with your arms in case anything falls on you. The U.S. government's Ready website has more detailed instructions, including for people using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.

Many disaster risk-reduction measures aim to change people’s behaviour by raising individuals’ awarenesses of the risks. These actions need to be made more effective - which could be done by following the approach taken by public-health professionals to communicating risks.

Rescue swimmers with the San Francisco Fire Department saved a man from the Bay near Pier 1 1/2 early Friday morning, and he was hospitalized for evaluation.

The Japanese government approved significant upgrades to the national plan to safeguard the public against potential earthquakes, particularly in the wake of ongoing tremors in the Tokara Islands.

The Pacific Northwest faces an imminent risk from the Cascadia subduction zone, expected to rupture within the next 200 years, leading to a potentially catastrophic earthquake.