One hundred and one years ago, at 5:12AM, our San Francisco Peninsula was forever changed.  This is when the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake struck.  It’s estimated that this quake was an 8 on today’s Richter Scale. It was felt over almost 300 miles, up and down California, and seemed to last f-o-r-e-v-e-r, between 45 and 60 seconds.  That’s almost a minute of wild shaking.  The epicenter, somewhere near the City by the Bay. Damage was severe in the City.  Stanford University had major damage.  Fences were moved as much at 6 feet.  Train engines were toppled.  It was bad.  There are great photos online that can give you an idea of what happened.  Take a few minutes to review them.  You will begin to understand why California has the most stringent building codes in the United States.  And, why we do not build with stone.

What would happen to us if another quake of this magnitude were to strike our area today?  Are you prepared?  We had a taste of a major quake in 1989 with the Loma Prieta quake, which was measured at 7.2.  If you weren’t here then let me tell you it was pretty frightening, and I’ve been through a lot of quakes in my lifetime.  But, it is frightening when you watch Victorian buildings crumble in front of your eyes.  When you see skyscrapers rock and roll.  When you find the bridge you’ve just gotten on to, closed because it broke apart.

Are you prepared for the next big quake? Do you have a supply of water, food, fuel to cook with or BBQ?  Do you know how to shut off your gas meter, should you need to?  Do you have a plan for your family of where to meet if a major quake strikes during daytime hours and your family is in different places?  If you don’t, you should.

This Great Quake anniversary won’t get the same attention it did last year, at the hundred year mark, but it always does get attention by the media and you need to listen.  If you don’t take the time to become prepared for disaster then if and when it occurs, and it will one day, you will not be ready.  Here are a couple of stores for you to shop online that sell safety products:  Quakecare and  Geohazzards International. They are only a couple of starting places.  It is well worth your time to browse their inventory and figure out what you need.  Don’t put this off.  We never get warnings for earthquakes.  They just happen.

You can go to Home Depot or your local hardware store and buy simple things to protect yourself and your home. They often have whole areas with Earthquake Safety items for sale.  Take a look and buy these things.  There are special straps to attach to high items, such as bookcases or china cabinets, and then affix them to studs in the wall. These straps keep these items upright.  Baby-proof your kitchen cabinets with the latches we all use to keep our babies out of the cabinets.  These latches will keep your cabinet doors closed and items intact and unbroken. Museum putty is another great item that costs little but placed under items that are breakable can keep them firmly attached to the surface you have them standing on.

Keep fresh flashlight batteries in your flashlights, and have them near your bed.  If a quake hits at night, you may need to vacate your home and power could be off.  Keep slippers by your bed to use just in case there’s broken glass on the carpet or floor.  Some people suggest you have an emergency stash of clothing under your bed to grab and change into.  Keep a blanket in the trunk of your car, flashlights, emergency food, water and the like.  If you find you are away from home for a few days you’ll at least have some supplies.

Finally, if you have family or friends living out of California, use them as your check-in person for your family and friends.  Everyone can call that person and let them know you’re okay.  Keep your wits about you.  Plan, plan and plan again.  An earthquake generally lasts no more than 30 seconds.  Once it’s over, be prepared for the after shocks that continue for a while, but they, too, do subside.

Since today is the Anniversary of the Great 1906 San Francisco Quake, so take some time to celebrate and go out and make sure to take care of your family’s safety before you need to.  Celebrate today at a day to prepare for your future safety.