WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2011 - Recent weather events such as Hurricane Irene, the earthquake on the East Coast and other natural disasters highlight the need for Americans to prepare for emergencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, the Ad Council and Google Crisis Response are collaborating to launch a new preparedness web resource, Get Tech Ready, on behalf of the Ready campaign.
Released just before the start of National Preparedness Month, this new resource educates individuals and families about how using modern-day technology can help them prepare, adapt and recover from disruptions brought on by emergencies or disasters.
A recent American Red Cross survey showed that the internet, including online news sites and social media platforms, is the third most popular way for Americans to gather emergency information and let their loved ones know they are safe.
"As technology becomes more a part of our daily lives, people are turning to it during emergencies as well. We need to utilize these tools, to the best of our abilities, to engage and inform the public, because no matter how much federal, state and local officials do, we will only be successful if the public is brought in as part of the team," FEMA Administrator, W. Craig Fugate.
"During Hurricane Irene, we saw people using new technologies in many ways, whether it was thousands of people downloading our new shelter finder App or others using our Safe and Well site and social media to let their friends and family know they are OK, " said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "People now have more varied resources available at their fingertips that they can use before, during and after emergencies."
Get Tech Ready provides Americans with tips on how to use technological resources before, during and after a crisis to communicate with loved ones and manage your financial affairs. Preparedness tips on the website include:
• Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available;
• Store your important documents such as personal and financial records in the cloud or on a secure and remote area or flash or jump drive that you can keep readily available so they can be accessed from anywhere; and
• Create an Emergency Information Document using the Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan template in Google Docs or by downloading the Ready Family Emergency Plan to record your emergency plans.
"Get Tech Ready is a resource that will truly help people in the US and around the world understand how they can use widely available technology to prepare for potential crises," said Nigel Snoud, Product Manager, Google Crisis Response. "We're thrilled to be working with FEMA, the American Red Cross, and the Ad Council on this public service project."
"We are delighted to collaborate with FEMA, Google and the American Red Cross to expand our Ready messages through this new web site to educate more Americans about the vital need to get prepared in advance of an potential emergency," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "The web site will provide access to critical resources to Americans addressing the importance of using technology as part of their individual and family preparedness plans."
Launched in 2003, National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies throughout the year. The Ready campaign was also launched in 2003 by FEMA in partnership with the Ad Council. Since its launch, media outlets have donated more than $900 million in advertising time and space for the PSAs. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org/ or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
FEMA does not endorse any non-Federal government organizations or products.
Showing posts with label earthquake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label earthquake. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Triangle of Life - Mis-information - please read.
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries response.
Based on what I know, Doug Copp, the author of the “Triangle of Life” idea, is a misguided individual. His advice utilizing the “Triangle of Life” as a shelter strategy during an earthquake is incorrect, dangerous and potentially deadly, and is not accepted by the Red Cross, FEMA or any emergency response organization in the United States. “Drop, cover and hold” has proven to save lives and should be part of everyone’s emergency preparations for an earthquake.
James Roddey, Earth Sciences Information Officer, Here is the American Red Cross response:
Red Cross Response:
Rocky Lopes, PhD
Manager, Community Disaster Education
American Red Cross National Headquarters
Recently it has been brought to my attention that an email from Doug Copp, titled "Triangle of Life," is making its rounds again on the Internet. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is CORRECT, accurate, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for Earthquake safety. Mr. Copp's assertions in his message that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect.
________________________________________
Recently, the American Red Cross became aware of a challenge to the earthquake safety advice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." This is according to information from Mr. Doug Copp, the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of American Rescue Team International (a supposed private company not affiliated with the U.S. Government or other agency.) He says that going underneath objects during an earthquake [as in children being told to get under their desks at school] is very dangerous, and fatal should the building collapse in a strong earthquake.
He also states that "everyone who gets under a doorway when a building collapses is killed." He further states that "if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, to roll out of bed next to it," and he also says that "If an earthquake happens while you are watching television and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair."
These recommendations are highly inaccurate for application in the United States and inconsistent with information developed through earthquake research. Mr. Copp based his statements on observations of damage to buildings after an earthquake in Turkey. It is like "apples and oranges" to compare building construction standards, techniques, engineering principles, and construction materials between Turkey and the United States.
We at the American Red Cross have studied the research on the topic of earthquake safety for many years. We have benefited from extensive research done by the California Office of Emergency Services, California Seismic Safety Commission, professional and academic research organizations, and emergency management agencies, who have also studied the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" during the shaking of an earthquake. Personally, I have also benefited from those who preceded me in doing earthquake education in California since the Field Act was passed in 1933.
That the claims made by Mr. Copp of ARTI, Inc., does not seem to distinguish is that the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" is a U.S.-based recommendation based on U.S. Building Codes and construction standards. Much research in the United States has confirmed that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" has saved lives in the United States. Engineering researchers have demonstrated that very few buildings collapse or "pancake" in the U.S. as they might do in other countries. Using a web site to show one picture of one U.S. building that had a partial collapse after a major quake in an area with thousands of buildings that did not collapse during the same quake is inappropriate and misleading.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which collects data on injuries and deaths from all reportable causes in the U.S., as well as data from three University-based studies performed after the Loma Prieta (September, 1989) and Northridge (January, 1994) earthquakes in California, the following data are indicated: Loma Prieta: 63 deaths, approximately 3,700 people were injured. Most injuries happened as a result of the collapse of the Cypress Street section of I-880 in Oakland. Northridge: 57 deaths, 1,500 serious injuries. Most injuries were from falls caused by people trying to get out of their homes, or serious cuts and broken bones when people ran, barefooted, over broken glass (the earthquake happened in the early morning on a federal holiday when many people were still in bed.) There were millions of people in each of these earthquake-affected areas, and of those millions, many of them reported to have "dropped, covered, and held on" during the shaking of the earthquake.
We contend that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" indeed SAVED lives, not killed people. Because the research continues to demonstrate that, in the U.S., "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" works, the American Red Cross remains behind that recommendation. It is the simplest, reliable, and easiest method to teach people, including children.
The American Red Cross has not recommended use of a doorway for earthquake protection for more than a decade. The problem is that many doorways are not built into the structural integrity of a building, and may not offer protection. Also, simply put, doorways are not suitable for more than one person at a time.
The Red Cross, remaining consistent with the information published in "Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages," (visit http://www.disastereducation.org/guide.html ) states that if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, remain there. Rolling out of bed may lead to being injured by debris on the floor next to the bed. If you have done a good job of earthquake mitigation (that is, removing pictures or mirrors that could fall on a bed; anchoring tall bedroom furniture to wall studs, and the like), then you are safer to stay in bed rather than roll out of it during the shaking of an earthquake.
Also, the Red Cross strongly advises not try to move (that is, escape) during the shaking of an earthquake. The more and the longer distance that someone tries to move, the more likely they are to become injured by falling or flying debris, or by tripping, falling, or getting cut by damaged floors, walls, and items in the path of escape.
Identifying potential "void areas" and planning on using them for earthquake protection is more difficult to teach, and hard to remember for people who are not educated in earthquake engineering principles. The Red Cross is not saying that identifying potential voids is wrong or inappropriate. What we are saying is that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" is NOT wrong -- in the United States. The American Red Cross, being a U.S.-based organization, does not extend its recommendations to apply in other countries. What works here may not work elsewhere, so there is no dispute that the "void identification method" or the "Triangle of Life" may indeed be the best thing to teach in other countries where the risk of building collapse, even in moderate earthquakes, is great.
Based on what I know, Doug Copp, the author of the “Triangle of Life” idea, is a misguided individual. His advice utilizing the “Triangle of Life” as a shelter strategy during an earthquake is incorrect, dangerous and potentially deadly, and is not accepted by the Red Cross, FEMA or any emergency response organization in the United States. “Drop, cover and hold” has proven to save lives and should be part of everyone’s emergency preparations for an earthquake.
James Roddey, Earth Sciences Information Officer, Here is the American Red Cross response:
Red Cross Response:
Rocky Lopes, PhD
Manager, Community Disaster Education
American Red Cross National Headquarters
Recently it has been brought to my attention that an email from Doug Copp, titled "Triangle of Life," is making its rounds again on the Internet. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is CORRECT, accurate, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for Earthquake safety. Mr. Copp's assertions in his message that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect.
________________________________________
Recently, the American Red Cross became aware of a challenge to the earthquake safety advice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." This is according to information from Mr. Doug Copp, the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of American Rescue Team International (a supposed private company not affiliated with the U.S. Government or other agency.) He says that going underneath objects during an earthquake [as in children being told to get under their desks at school] is very dangerous, and fatal should the building collapse in a strong earthquake.
He also states that "everyone who gets under a doorway when a building collapses is killed." He further states that "if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, to roll out of bed next to it," and he also says that "If an earthquake happens while you are watching television and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair."
These recommendations are highly inaccurate for application in the United States and inconsistent with information developed through earthquake research. Mr. Copp based his statements on observations of damage to buildings after an earthquake in Turkey. It is like "apples and oranges" to compare building construction standards, techniques, engineering principles, and construction materials between Turkey and the United States.
We at the American Red Cross have studied the research on the topic of earthquake safety for many years. We have benefited from extensive research done by the California Office of Emergency Services, California Seismic Safety Commission, professional and academic research organizations, and emergency management agencies, who have also studied the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" during the shaking of an earthquake. Personally, I have also benefited from those who preceded me in doing earthquake education in California since the Field Act was passed in 1933.
That the claims made by Mr. Copp of ARTI, Inc., does not seem to distinguish is that the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" is a U.S.-based recommendation based on U.S. Building Codes and construction standards. Much research in the United States has confirmed that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" has saved lives in the United States. Engineering researchers have demonstrated that very few buildings collapse or "pancake" in the U.S. as they might do in other countries. Using a web site to show one picture of one U.S. building that had a partial collapse after a major quake in an area with thousands of buildings that did not collapse during the same quake is inappropriate and misleading.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which collects data on injuries and deaths from all reportable causes in the U.S., as well as data from three University-based studies performed after the Loma Prieta (September, 1989) and Northridge (January, 1994) earthquakes in California, the following data are indicated: Loma Prieta: 63 deaths, approximately 3,700 people were injured. Most injuries happened as a result of the collapse of the Cypress Street section of I-880 in Oakland. Northridge: 57 deaths, 1,500 serious injuries. Most injuries were from falls caused by people trying to get out of their homes, or serious cuts and broken bones when people ran, barefooted, over broken glass (the earthquake happened in the early morning on a federal holiday when many people were still in bed.) There were millions of people in each of these earthquake-affected areas, and of those millions, many of them reported to have "dropped, covered, and held on" during the shaking of the earthquake.
We contend that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" indeed SAVED lives, not killed people. Because the research continues to demonstrate that, in the U.S., "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" works, the American Red Cross remains behind that recommendation. It is the simplest, reliable, and easiest method to teach people, including children.
The American Red Cross has not recommended use of a doorway for earthquake protection for more than a decade. The problem is that many doorways are not built into the structural integrity of a building, and may not offer protection. Also, simply put, doorways are not suitable for more than one person at a time.
The Red Cross, remaining consistent with the information published in "Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages," (visit http://www.disastereducation.org/guide.html ) states that if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, remain there. Rolling out of bed may lead to being injured by debris on the floor next to the bed. If you have done a good job of earthquake mitigation (that is, removing pictures or mirrors that could fall on a bed; anchoring tall bedroom furniture to wall studs, and the like), then you are safer to stay in bed rather than roll out of it during the shaking of an earthquake.
Also, the Red Cross strongly advises not try to move (that is, escape) during the shaking of an earthquake. The more and the longer distance that someone tries to move, the more likely they are to become injured by falling or flying debris, or by tripping, falling, or getting cut by damaged floors, walls, and items in the path of escape.
Identifying potential "void areas" and planning on using them for earthquake protection is more difficult to teach, and hard to remember for people who are not educated in earthquake engineering principles. The Red Cross is not saying that identifying potential voids is wrong or inappropriate. What we are saying is that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" is NOT wrong -- in the United States. The American Red Cross, being a U.S.-based organization, does not extend its recommendations to apply in other countries. What works here may not work elsewhere, so there is no dispute that the "void identification method" or the "Triangle of Life" may indeed be the best thing to teach in other countries where the risk of building collapse, even in moderate earthquakes, is great.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Earthquakes to destroy all the western coast of the country expected in the USA
I came across this article this morning. It amazes me that people all around the world know it is going to happen and yet many here in Oregon are not prepared. Please - just a few items in a kit, a few minutes of your time for planning could make all the difference.
Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Mega-earthquakes which will in fact finish off with all the north-western coast of the country are expected in the USA.
Specialists of tectonic activity and underwater cartography lab of Oregon University report that a new 8 point magnitude earthquake can be expected in close proximity to the USA coasts. Large scale natural disaster will affect populated coast in the north-west of the USA stretching form Vancuver island to North California. Peak tremor will be followed by tsunami and a range of aftershocks to erase dozens of small cities near coastal zone from the earth.
The last large earthquake in this zone occurred over 300 years ago. As mega-earthquakes occur with frequency of one earthquake in every 240 years according to the scientists’ estimations tremors with 8 magnitude should be expected with a probability of 45% and 9 point magnitude earthquakes- with 15% probability.
Connection of two tectonic plates- North American and Juan de Fuka under the North America continent is a seismically dangerous subduction zone. Increase of pressure of these plates on each other recorded by Oregon University lab may result in a large-scale cataclysm.
" I have no doubt that power for forthcoming earthquake is being accumulated now " ,- Head of Research group professor Chris Goldfinger noted.The last mega-earthquake in west part of the Pacific ocean was recorded in Japan on 11 March. It also occurred in subduction zone. The earthquake aftershocks are still going on.
Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Mega-earthquakes which will in fact finish off with all the north-western coast of the country are expected in the USA.
Specialists of tectonic activity and underwater cartography lab of Oregon University report that a new 8 point magnitude earthquake can be expected in close proximity to the USA coasts. Large scale natural disaster will affect populated coast in the north-west of the USA stretching form Vancuver island to North California. Peak tremor will be followed by tsunami and a range of aftershocks to erase dozens of small cities near coastal zone from the earth.
The last large earthquake in this zone occurred over 300 years ago. As mega-earthquakes occur with frequency of one earthquake in every 240 years according to the scientists’ estimations tremors with 8 magnitude should be expected with a probability of 45% and 9 point magnitude earthquakes- with 15% probability.
Connection of two tectonic plates- North American and Juan de Fuka under the North America continent is a seismically dangerous subduction zone. Increase of pressure of these plates on each other recorded by Oregon University lab may result in a large-scale cataclysm.
" I have no doubt that power for forthcoming earthquake is being accumulated now " ,- Head of Research group professor Chris Goldfinger noted.The last mega-earthquake in west part of the Pacific ocean was recorded in Japan on 11 March. It also occurred in subduction zone. The earthquake aftershocks are still going on.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
SUBJECT: DROP, COVER and HOLD EARTHQUAKE SAFETY MEASURE Triangle of Life
There have been recent inquiries to Oregon Emergency Management regarding an article circulating on email promoting the “Triangle of Life” protective measure during earthquakes rather than using the Drop, Cover and Hold procedure recommended in Oregon and throughout the United States. While the advice in the “Triangle of Life,” article is well intentioned; its prescribed actions are gleaned only from worst-case accounts from collapsed buildings outside of the United States. Because buildings in the United States are built to stricter codes and enforcement standards than those in other countries, including Mexico, and Turkey, collapses from earthquakes in the U.S. are rare. Structural analysis and behavioral studies confirm that the use of Drop, Cover and Hold reduces the likelihood of serious injury, since most earthquake injuries are a result of falling nonstructural elements (lighting fixtures, ceiling tiles, windows) and contents (appliances, shelves, office equipment). Post-earthquake investigations in recent California earthquakes have shown that most injuries occurred when building occupants attempted to exit buildings or move to a different location in the building. Drop, Cover and Hold is the earthquake safety procedure recommended by Oregon Emergency Management, the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the US Geological Survey, and the American Red Cross. Recent scientific research has found that Oregon will experience future earthquakes. Ultimately, Oregon residents should evaluate the earthquake readiness of their homes and work places and take appropriate steps to reduce their risk from structural and nonstructural building components. More information can be found at this link. < http://www.bpaonline.org/Emergencyprep/arc-on-doug-copp.html>.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Earthquake and Tsunami programs
Hello!
I wanted to let folks know that there will be several airings of shows about earthquakes and tsunamis in the next week or so.
History Channel will air "Megaquakes 10.0" from 9:00-11:00 pm on Wednesday Jan. 12
Wednesday Jan. 12 at 8:00 pm on OPB, NOVA's "The Deadliest Earthquakes"
Yumei Wang and Jay Raskin both participated in these shows.
I wanted to let folks know that there will be several airings of shows about earthquakes and tsunamis in the next week or so.
History Channel will air "Megaquakes 10.0" from 9:00-11:00 pm on Wednesday Jan. 12
Wednesday Jan. 12 at 8:00 pm on OPB, NOVA's "The Deadliest Earthquakes"
Yumei Wang and Jay Raskin both participated in these shows.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
UofO urged to shake, rattle and roll in Jan. 26 drill
Thousands of Oregonians are expected to “drop, cover and hold on” when Oregon’s largest-ever earthquake drill is staged Jan. 26 by a variety of statewide partners, including the University of Oregon’s Emergency Management Program and Department of Geological Sciences.
The Great Oregon ShakeOut – a one-minute drill that begins at 10:15 a.m. – is modeled after similar drills that have been conducted in California since 2008. Organizers stress the strategy of “drop, cover and hold” as the best strategy for personal safety in the event of an earthquake – drop to the floor, cover yourself underneath a desk or other sturdy furniture and hold on until the shaking stops.
The UO will test its UO Alert! text notification and Smart Classroom systems at the same time as the earthquake drill, to serve as a reminder to participate.
Organizers of the Great Oregon ShakeOut urge those wishing to participate to register before Jan. 26 at http://www.shakeout.org/oregon/. To register for prizes that will be awarded to participating faculty and staff, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/shakeout.
The Great Oregon ShakeOut – a one-minute drill that begins at 10:15 a.m. – is modeled after similar drills that have been conducted in California since 2008. Organizers stress the strategy of “drop, cover and hold” as the best strategy for personal safety in the event of an earthquake – drop to the floor, cover yourself underneath a desk or other sturdy furniture and hold on until the shaking stops.
The UO will test its UO Alert! text notification and Smart Classroom systems at the same time as the earthquake drill, to serve as a reminder to participate.
Organizers of the Great Oregon ShakeOut urge those wishing to participate to register before Jan. 26 at http://www.shakeout.org/oregon/. To register for prizes that will be awarded to participating faculty and staff, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/shakeout.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Don’t forget your pets
Surviving an emergency such as a fire, flood, earthquake or terrorist attack depends on what you plan for your family today. Hopefully you have a family plan and a 72 hour emergency kit. Now, how about Fido?
Believe it or not, more people in the United States have pets, than have children. Many people consider their pets to be part of the family and wouldn’t dream of leaving them behind. I confess I fall into that category.
Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you need to make plans in advance for your pets. Assembling an animal emergency supply kit is one of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected. Include your veterinarian in your planning as they may have good ideas and suggestions specific to your pet.
Your pet kit should contain basically the same items as your family kit. They will need enough food and water for three days, medicines and medical records (in a waterproof plastic bag) and a first aid kit. Injured animals may need antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, and isopropyl alcohol. A pet first aid reference book would be handy too.
Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Your kit should include a backup leash and ID tag. You might also consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as micro-chipping.
Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, puppy pads, paper towels, plastic trash bags and chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. Nine parts water to one part bleach is a good disinfectant or you can use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water to purify it for drinking.
Don’t forget favorite toys, treats or bedding in you pet kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress, theirs and yours.
If you become separated from your pets, a photo of you together will help document ownership and help others to identify your pet when found.
Develop a pet care buddy system. Know who will evacuate the pet and where the pet will stay. Some shelters are now accepting pets with their owners or you can find pet friendly hotels outside your immediate area. There are boarding kennels and some veterinary hospitals will take pets during an emergency. Contact these places ahead of time.
Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Designate specific locations, one in your immediate neighborhood and another farther away, where you will meet in an emergency. You will need a crate or other pet carrier if it is practical for you to take your animals with you. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
As in all planning, be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort t to follow instructions from authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected. Take time now to get yourself and your pet ready.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Preparing For The Next Haiti, With Maps, Texts, And Tweets
Nathan Hodge of Wired.com’s Danger Room blog has a good post, Preparing For The Next Haiti, With Maps, Texts, And Tweets, which discusses the impressive high-tech volunteer response to the earthquake. Hodge attended the Haiti Tech Meetup yesterday at the U.S. State Department yesterday and spoke to a number of those involved in the recovery effort:
In the weeks following the January 12 earthquake, the relief effort in Haiti relied in part on crowdsourcing: an army of volunteers in the United States and elsewhere helped sift through emergency text messages, translated them and send them on to first responders on the scene. According to Rob Munro, a graduate fellow at Stanford who works with the nonprofit Energy for Opportunity, about 40,000 useful text messages came through the system in the first six weeks, meaning that thousands of Haitians received timely requests for food, water or medical help.
At the height of the crisis, texts were arriving every few seconds. But volunteers were able to receive a message, translate it and and send a grid location to teams on the ground within a matter of minutes. But the high-tech Haiti volunteer response also depended in large part on personal connections, and the mobilization of the Haitian diaspora in North America, for it to work. Now development agencies, relief workers and even the U.S. government are looking at ways to reproduce the experiment in the next emergency…
The full article can be found here http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/05/preparing-for-the-next-haiti-with-maps-texts-and-tweets/
In the weeks following the January 12 earthquake, the relief effort in Haiti relied in part on crowdsourcing: an army of volunteers in the United States and elsewhere helped sift through emergency text messages, translated them and send them on to first responders on the scene. According to Rob Munro, a graduate fellow at Stanford who works with the nonprofit Energy for Opportunity, about 40,000 useful text messages came through the system in the first six weeks, meaning that thousands of Haitians received timely requests for food, water or medical help.
At the height of the crisis, texts were arriving every few seconds. But volunteers were able to receive a message, translate it and and send a grid location to teams on the ground within a matter of minutes. But the high-tech Haiti volunteer response also depended in large part on personal connections, and the mobilization of the Haitian diaspora in North America, for it to work. Now development agencies, relief workers and even the U.S. government are looking at ways to reproduce the experiment in the next emergency…
The full article can be found here http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/05/preparing-for-the-next-haiti-with-maps-texts-and-tweets/
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Why Drop, Cover and hold on?
April Earthquake Proclamation Month
Practice the Right Thing to Do.
It Could Save Your Life.
Who: You
What: Earthquake drill
When: April 21, 2010, 2 PM
Where: Right where you are
Why: Practice makes perfect sense
How: Drop, cover and hold on!
Learn more by watching the
video http://www.clackamas.us/emergency/shakedown/.
On April 21, 2010, Clackamas County will be conducting its annual, State-mandated, earthquake drill. All government employees are required to practice how to Drop, Cover and Hold On – the recommended personal protective action to take during an earthquake.
You will be more likely to react quickly when shaking begins if you have actually practiced how to protect yourself on a regular basis. A great time to practice Drop, Cover and Hold On is by participating in the Clackamas County Shakedown on April 21st.
Practice the Right Thing to Do.
It Could Save Your Life.
Who: You
What: Earthquake drill
When: April 21, 2010, 2 PM
Where: Right where you are
Why: Practice makes perfect sense
How: Drop, cover and hold on!
Learn more by watching the
video http://www.clackamas.us/emergency/shakedown/.
On April 21, 2010, Clackamas County will be conducting its annual, State-mandated, earthquake drill. All government employees are required to practice how to Drop, Cover and Hold On – the recommended personal protective action to take during an earthquake.
You will be more likely to react quickly when shaking begins if you have actually practiced how to protect yourself on a regular basis. A great time to practice Drop, Cover and Hold On is by participating in the Clackamas County Shakedown on April 21st.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Oregon Civil Air Patrol will be holding a major Disaster Relief Exercise on April 17th and 18th
The Oregon Civil Air Patrol will be holding a major Disaster Relief Exercise on April 17th and 18th, which will coincide with National Earthquake Prepardness Month. lt will create an environment that is as close as possible to that of a real statewide disaster involving an Earth Quake event along the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the coast of Oregon. Every attempt is being made to insure that all participants will be faced with realistic requests and taskings.
The Oregon CAP will be working closely with other state agencies and will involve approximately 100 personnel and 7 specially equipped search aircraft including a Cessna C-182 which is
equipped with a Power Sonic airborne PA system used for Tsunami warnings. This same
aircraft and system played an important role during the recent search for 4 year old Zoey
Dorsey early last month. The system is being credited as being instrumental in assisting
in the successful life saving search effort due to it's ability to broadcast a high quality, easily
heard recorded message from Zoey's grandmother, encouraging her to hold on and to help
let ground searchers know where she was. Demo video @ http://www.showoffmedia.biz/cap.html
The major focus of the simulated environment will create an expected possible real world situation in which the Northern part of the state has received limited damage from the event while the Southern coastal area will have received massive damage to its infrastructure. In a situation like this, CAP would establish a functional Incident Command Post at it's Aurora Airport facility located on the Willamette Aviation campus at the North end of the airport, where it has a pre-established working infrastructure and contact with the Oregon Joint Operations Center in Salem. The CAP scenario will further simulate that the CAP's Medford Airport operations center facility is usable but is lacking any infrastructure such as electricity, telephone, cell phone, or internet. In this case, the Medford CAP facility will be designated as a remote staging area using generators for power and radio communications to interact with the Aurora ICP.
To facilitate emergency communications, the CAP will be working closely with the Navy-Marine Corps Military Auxiliary Radio System,( MARS), in addition to CAP's regular radio communications network. The MARS system has the capability to send radio based telecommunications, email, documents and photos across the nation using secure radio network frequencies.
The media is invited to attend the exercise, both in Portland and Medford, to gain an understanding of the potential impact of such a major event and how volunteer agencies, such as the CAP which is an auxiliary of the United States Air Force, will work closely with various local and state agencies to respond to such major incidents.
Advance notification of media intent to attend would be appreciated.
Please email intent to attend to Thomas Traver tomt@theppigroup.com
Official government geological studies support the prediction that such a major event will occur, but no clear time table is presently available.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Governor Declares April to be Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Month
April is Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness month! DOGAMI is working with the governor to spread awareness on the dangers of earthquakes and tsunamis, and to try and teach what is necessary to increase your chances of surviving such a natural disaster.
An excerpt from the full-color PDF press release:
http://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/nr/press-release-2010-03-31.pdf
Further information can be found on the DOGAMI websites, including emergency preparedness information, available training, and tsunami evacuation maps.
http://www.oregon.gov/DOGAMI/
An excerpt from the full-color PDF press release:
Have you practiced your drop, cover, and hold drill lately? Do you know what to do at the coast if the ground starts to shake?
Portland, Oregon: Governor Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed April to be Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Month, saying in the proclamation that Oregon has taken many steps during the past two decades to help make the citizens of the state safer from future earthquakes (see attached proclamation).
http://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/nr/press-release-2010-03-31.pdf
Further information can be found on the DOGAMI websites, including emergency preparedness information, available training, and tsunami evacuation maps.
http://www.oregon.gov/DOGAMI/
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Schools Focus on Natural Disaster Preparations
April is Earthquake Awarness Month --
Statement by State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo regarding earthquake awareness:
Given the recent catastrophes in Haiti and Chile, it is well worth noting that April is Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Month. The safety of our students and staff is paramount and public schools in Oregon are doing everything they can to prepare our people and buildings in the event of a natural disaster.
We all know that the Northwest is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. So all our public schools are required, at least twice a year, to instruct and drill students on emergency procedures such as "Drop, Cover, Hold." The key to preparedness is practice, so that kids can respond quickly and without panicking when it really counts. In some of our coastal communities, schools also practice tsunami evacuation drills.
If you're at a school that has yet to conduct one of their earthquake drills, April is a great time to get it done. Click here for information regarding instruction and drills.
There is still much work to do to make sure our school buildings are safe in the event of an earthquake. The average Oregon school is 46 years old, and while seismic upgrades have been completed over the years, many buildings are not as safe as they need to be. In fact, a 2007 report from the Department of Oregon Geology and Mineral Industries found that there are 274 public schools across our state considered to be at highest risk in the event of an earthquake.
Earlier this year, Oregon took a step in the right direction by distributing $7.5 million in Seismic Rehabilitation Grants to a number of education and emergency services buildings, including 12 public school buildings from Beaverton to Lakeview. Another $7.5 million will be granted in the second round of applications.
We continue to work toward a long-term plan to ensure that our school buildings are made safer. In the meantime, other schools deemed at risk can apply for future grants through the Oregon Emergency Management Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program.
To access more information and resources, please visit the Oregon Department of Education's "Quake-Safe Schools" page at www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=2061.
For information about OEM's grant program, visit www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/plans_train/SRGP.shtml.
- end -
Contact(s) for this Announcement
Susanne Smith (503) 947-5637
Communications - Manager
Related Topic(s):
Emergency Information and Planning
Facilities
Related Page(s):
Quake Safe Schools
Statement by State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo regarding earthquake awareness:
Given the recent catastrophes in Haiti and Chile, it is well worth noting that April is Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Month. The safety of our students and staff is paramount and public schools in Oregon are doing everything they can to prepare our people and buildings in the event of a natural disaster.
We all know that the Northwest is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. So all our public schools are required, at least twice a year, to instruct and drill students on emergency procedures such as "Drop, Cover, Hold." The key to preparedness is practice, so that kids can respond quickly and without panicking when it really counts. In some of our coastal communities, schools also practice tsunami evacuation drills.
If you're at a school that has yet to conduct one of their earthquake drills, April is a great time to get it done. Click here for information regarding instruction and drills.
There is still much work to do to make sure our school buildings are safe in the event of an earthquake. The average Oregon school is 46 years old, and while seismic upgrades have been completed over the years, many buildings are not as safe as they need to be. In fact, a 2007 report from the Department of Oregon Geology and Mineral Industries found that there are 274 public schools across our state considered to be at highest risk in the event of an earthquake.
Earlier this year, Oregon took a step in the right direction by distributing $7.5 million in Seismic Rehabilitation Grants to a number of education and emergency services buildings, including 12 public school buildings from Beaverton to Lakeview. Another $7.5 million will be granted in the second round of applications.
We continue to work toward a long-term plan to ensure that our school buildings are made safer. In the meantime, other schools deemed at risk can apply for future grants through the Oregon Emergency Management Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program.
To access more information and resources, please visit the Oregon Department of Education's "Quake-Safe Schools" page at www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=2061.
For information about OEM's grant program, visit www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/plans_train/SRGP.shtml.
- end -
Contact(s) for this Announcement
Susanne Smith (503) 947-5637
Communications - Manager
Related Topic(s):
Emergency Information and Planning
Facilities
Related Page(s):
Quake Safe Schools
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tsunami education on youtube
Listed below are 2 URLs for some video footage of the arrival of the tsunami in So. Cal as it entered the Ventura, CA harbor following the 8.8 earthquake in Chile on Feb 27.
The video shows how strong the currents can be in harbors and bays. The video was taken by the Ventura Harbor Patrol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imfd2tTpxv4&sns=em http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZNnuQthJe8
The video shows how strong the currents can be in harbors and bays. The video was taken by the Ventura Harbor Patrol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imfd2tTpxv4&sns=em http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZNnuQthJe8
Chile Earthquake a Warning to the Pacific Northwest
Andrew Revkin of the New York Times wrote an interesting article about how the Chilean earthquake is a warning of what can happen to us here in Oregon. He even includes information from Oregon researchers, and a youtube video about how subduction zone earthquakes work and how devastating the tsunami was from the earthquake in Chile.
A prime case in point is Oregon. After the destruction of hundreds of poorly built schools in China’s Sichuan province, I wrote repeatedly here and in print about similar vulnerability identified by engineers and seismologists in that state, despite the clear record of devastating quakes and tsunamis generated by the Cascadia fault beneath the sea bed off the Northwest coast.
http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/chilean-quake-a-warning-to-u-s-northwest/
A prime case in point is Oregon. After the destruction of hundreds of poorly built schools in China’s Sichuan province, I wrote repeatedly here and in print about similar vulnerability identified by engineers and seismologists in that state, despite the clear record of devastating quakes and tsunamis generated by the Cascadia fault beneath the sea bed off the Northwest coast.
http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/chilean-quake-a-warning-to-u-s-northwest/
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tsunami Details
Here at OEM we are monitoring the tsunami. For Oregon it is predicted to be negligible (around half a meter or about 1.5 - 2 feet), but local sea floor and terrain in some areas might make the wave a little larger. Tsunami wave heights peak about 2 hours after they arrive. So we recommend that you stay away from the beach until after the event.
The estimated times of arrival for Oregon are found at http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2010/02/27/725245/09/webeta725245-09.txt
This graphic shows the predicated path of the tsunami and the predicted wave heights. The areas in the red are estimated to be up to 100 cm in height, although the angle, local sea floor, and coastal terrain can affect how high the wave crests on the shore.
It is located at http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/chile/chileem.jpg.
The estimated times of arrival for Oregon are found at http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2010/02/27/725245/09/webeta725245-09.txt
Cape Blanco, Oregon 1350 PST FEB 27
the Oregon-California border 1350 PST FEB 27
Charleston, Oregon 1402 PST FEB 27
Cascade Head, Oregon 1426 PST FEB 27
Newport, Oregon 1429 PST FEB 27
Tillamook Bay, Oregon 1434 PST FEB 27
the Oregon-Washington border 1439 PST FEB 27
Seaside, Oregon 1446 PST FEB 27
La Push, Washington 1456 PST FEB 27
Westport, Washington 1457 PST FEB 27
Point Grenville, Washington 1459 PST FEB 27
the Washington-British Columbia border 1501 PST FEB 27
Neah Bay, Washington 1507 PST FEB 27
Astoria, Oregon 1511 PST FEB 27
This graphic shows the predicated path of the tsunami and the predicted wave heights. The areas in the red are estimated to be up to 100 cm in height, although the angle, local sea floor, and coastal terrain can affect how high the wave crests on the shore.It is located at http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/chile/chileem.jpg.
Tsunami Watch for Oregon
Some interesting information on the Chilean earthquake from George Priest and Antonio Baptista:
“The relatively large depth of the EQ (21 miles) and its location on the coast rather than significantly off the coast of Chile has limited the seafloor uplift and resulting tsunami, so only ~2 m of tsunami struck in the near field. The poor geometry of the wave propagation toward Oregon will limit the height to some small percentage of this value when it arrives ~ 2 PM.
The problem for emergency managers is how to respond to the NOAA advisory warning people off of waterfront/beaches. In Newport we have the seafood and wine festival all weekend, so large numbers of people are right at the waterfront. While it is unlikely that they will be in significant danger, given the way Yaquina Bay dissipates tsunami energy (our previous simulations), prudent emergency managers may well want to move folks away from the waterfront. The main lines of people waiting to get into the big tent is a flat parking lot near the Rogue brewery. Other parts of the coast will have similar difficult decisions.”
I just sent this info out via the FlashAlert Network state-wide:
For more information, contact:
James Roddey, Earth Sciences Information Officer, Oregon Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (971) 673-1543 (direct line) / (503) 807-8343 (cell)
This is the latest information (9:58 AM) from the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center:
A TSUNAMI ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT WHICH INCLUDES THE COASTAL AREAS OF CALIFORNIA - OREGON - WASHINGTON - BRITISH COLUMBIA AND ALASKA FROM THE CALIFORNIA-MEXICO BORDER TO ATTU ALASKA...
Wave heights in Oregon, at this point, are not expected to be much more that a foot at most and it looks like they will arrive at about low tide on our coast, early this afternoon. Wave heights at Port Orford, OR are estimated to be 0.3M/1.0 FT, with wave heights expected to peak approximately two hours after initial arrival.
This From NWS/WCATWC:
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
A TSUNAMI HAS BEEN GENERATED WHICH COULD IMPACT THE ADVISORY REGIONS LISTED IN THE HEADLINE. PERSONS IN LOW-LYING COASTAL AREAS SHOULD BE ALERT TO INSTRUCTIONS FROM THEIR LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS. EVACUATIONS ARE ONLY ORDERED BY EMERGENCY RESPONSE AGENCIES - PERSONS IN TSUNAMI ADVISORY AREAS SHOULD MOVE OUT OF THE WATER, OFF THE BEACH AND OUT OF HARBORS AND MARINAS.
A TSUNAMI ADVISORY MEANS THAT A TSUNAMI CAPABLE OF PRODUCING STRONG CURRENTS OR WAVES DANGEROUS TO PERSONS IN OR VERY NEAR THE WATER IS IMMINENT OR EXPECTED. SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD INUNDATION IS NOT EXPECTED FOR AREAS UNDER AN ADVISORY. CURRENTS MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO SWIMMERS... BOATS... AND COASTAL STRUCTURES AND MAY CONTINUE FOR SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE INITIAL WAVE ARRIVAL.
THE WAVES WILL FIRST REACH LA JOLLA CALIFORNIA AT 002 PM PST ON FEBRUARY 27. ESTIMATED TSUNAMI ARRIVAL TIMES AND MAPS ALONG WITH SAFETY RULES AND OTHER INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEB SITE: HTTP://www.WCATWC.ARH.NOAA.GOV
AT 1034 PM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME ON FEBRUARY 26 AN EARTHQUAKE WITH PRELIMINARY MAGNITUDE 8.8 OCCURRED NEAR THE COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE. THIS EARTHQUAKE HAS GENERATED A TSUNAMI WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO REGIONS IN A WARNING OR ADVISORY.
More information on the tsunami can be found at the NOAA Center for Tsunami Research website: http://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/chile20100227/
James Roddey
Earth Sciences Information Officer
Oregon Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 965, Portland, OR 97232
(971) 673-1543 (direct line) / (503) 807-8343 (cell)
mailto:james.roddey@dogami.state.or.us
http://www.oregongeology.org
“The relatively large depth of the EQ (21 miles) and its location on the coast rather than significantly off the coast of Chile has limited the seafloor uplift and resulting tsunami, so only ~2 m of tsunami struck in the near field. The poor geometry of the wave propagation toward Oregon will limit the height to some small percentage of this value when it arrives ~ 2 PM.
The problem for emergency managers is how to respond to the NOAA advisory warning people off of waterfront/beaches. In Newport we have the seafood and wine festival all weekend, so large numbers of people are right at the waterfront. While it is unlikely that they will be in significant danger, given the way Yaquina Bay dissipates tsunami energy (our previous simulations), prudent emergency managers may well want to move folks away from the waterfront. The main lines of people waiting to get into the big tent is a flat parking lot near the Rogue brewery. Other parts of the coast will have similar difficult decisions.”
I just sent this info out via the FlashAlert Network state-wide:
For more information, contact:
James Roddey, Earth Sciences Information Officer, Oregon Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (971) 673-1543 (direct line) / (503) 807-8343 (cell)
This is the latest information (9:58 AM) from the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center:
A TSUNAMI ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT WHICH INCLUDES THE COASTAL AREAS OF CALIFORNIA - OREGON - WASHINGTON - BRITISH COLUMBIA AND ALASKA FROM THE CALIFORNIA-MEXICO BORDER TO ATTU ALASKA...
Wave heights in Oregon, at this point, are not expected to be much more that a foot at most and it looks like they will arrive at about low tide on our coast, early this afternoon. Wave heights at Port Orford, OR are estimated to be 0.3M/1.0 FT, with wave heights expected to peak approximately two hours after initial arrival.
This From NWS/WCATWC:
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
A TSUNAMI HAS BEEN GENERATED WHICH COULD IMPACT THE ADVISORY REGIONS LISTED IN THE HEADLINE. PERSONS IN LOW-LYING COASTAL AREAS SHOULD BE ALERT TO INSTRUCTIONS FROM THEIR LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS. EVACUATIONS ARE ONLY ORDERED BY EMERGENCY RESPONSE AGENCIES - PERSONS IN TSUNAMI ADVISORY AREAS SHOULD MOVE OUT OF THE WATER, OFF THE BEACH AND OUT OF HARBORS AND MARINAS.
A TSUNAMI ADVISORY MEANS THAT A TSUNAMI CAPABLE OF PRODUCING STRONG CURRENTS OR WAVES DANGEROUS TO PERSONS IN OR VERY NEAR THE WATER IS IMMINENT OR EXPECTED. SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD INUNDATION IS NOT EXPECTED FOR AREAS UNDER AN ADVISORY. CURRENTS MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO SWIMMERS... BOATS... AND COASTAL STRUCTURES AND MAY CONTINUE FOR SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE INITIAL WAVE ARRIVAL.
THE WAVES WILL FIRST REACH LA JOLLA CALIFORNIA AT 002 PM PST ON FEBRUARY 27. ESTIMATED TSUNAMI ARRIVAL TIMES AND MAPS ALONG WITH SAFETY RULES AND OTHER INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEB SITE: HTTP://www.WCATWC.ARH.NOAA.GOV
AT 1034 PM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME ON FEBRUARY 26 AN EARTHQUAKE WITH PRELIMINARY MAGNITUDE 8.8 OCCURRED NEAR THE COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE. THIS EARTHQUAKE HAS GENERATED A TSUNAMI WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO REGIONS IN A WARNING OR ADVISORY.
More information on the tsunami can be found at the NOAA Center for Tsunami Research website: http://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/chile20100227/
James Roddey
Earth Sciences Information Officer
Oregon Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 965, Portland, OR 97232
(971) 673-1543 (direct line) / (503) 807-8343 (cell)
mailto:james.roddey@dogami.state.or.us
http://www.oregongeology.org
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
FEMA Region VII Earthquake Message
Yesterday we talked about an earthquake off the coast of Oregon, and today we see that FEMA Region 7 is giving good advice on how to prepare for an earthquake, and what to do when one happens.
FEMA Region 7 is in the midwest where earthquakes rarely occur, yet they still urge preparedness because earthquake DO happen!
Before an earthquake occurs:
- Consider purchasing earthquake insurance.
- Buy a 20-gallon garbage can and fill it with emergency supplies.
- Consider retrofitting your home to make it more resistant to earthquake damage.
- Educate your children about earthquake safety.
- Anchor heavy furniture, shelves, cupboards and appliances to the walls or floor.
- Store dangerous chemicals such as flammable liquids and poisons in a secure place.
- Learn how to shut off the gas, electricity and water.
- Have money in savings for post-catastrophic expenses that aren’t covered by your earthquake insurance policy. These expenses may include higher insurance deductible and repair or replacement claims that exceed your policy limits.
When an earthquake hits, what to do if you’re indoors:
- DROP to the ground;
- Take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and
- HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
- Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall
- Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
- Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
- Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
When an earthquake hits, what to do if you’re outdoors:
- Stay there. Drop, Cover and Hold.
- Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
To see the whole message, go to http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=50396 and visit http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Earthquake off Oregon Coast on Feb 13
Few people watch the USGS Earthquake website. Most Oregonians didn't know that there was a 4.3 earthquake about 200 miles west of Eugene, OR, out in the Pacific Ocean.
This is a relatively minor earthquake and small ones like this happen a dozen or so times every year. So what?
We keep our eyes on these smaller earthquakes as reminders that a big one could occur. That is why it is important to be prepared: have a plan, have an emergency and survival kit, and know what to do.
Like Haiti, a devastating earthquake can occur at any time. Be prepared!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
American Red Cross response to Triangle of Life
For information on how to deal with an earthquake, please go to http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/
American Red Cross response to "Triangle of Life" by Doug Copp
9/11/2004
Sent from
Rocky Lopes, PhD Manager, Community Disaster Education American Red Cross National Headquarters
Recently it has been brought to my attention that an email from Doug Copp, titled "Triangle of Life," is making its rounds again on the Internet. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is CORRECT, accurate, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for Earthquake safety. Mr. Copp's assertions in his message that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect.
Recently, the American Red Cross became aware of a challenge to the earthquake safety advice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." This is according to information from Mr. Doug Copp, the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of American Rescue Team International (a private company not affiliated with the U.S. Government or other agency.)
He says that going underneath objects during an earthquake [as in children being told to get under their desks at school] is very dangerous, and fatal should the building collapse in a strong earthquake. He also states that "everyone who gets under a doorway when a building collapses is killed."
He further states that "if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, to roll out of bed next to it," and he also says that "If an earthquake happens while you are watching television and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair."
These recommendations are inaccurate for application in the United States and inconsistent with information developed through earthquake research. Mr. Copp based his statements on observations of damage to buildings after an earthquake in Turkey.
It is like "apples and oranges" to compare building construction standards, techniques, engineering principles, and construction materials between Turkey and the United States.
We at the American Red Cross have studied the research on the topic of earthquake safety for many years. We have benefited from extensive research done by the California Office of Emergency Services, California Seismic Safety Commission, professional and academic research organizations, and emergency management agencies, who have also studied the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" during the shaking of an earthquake. Personally, I have also benefited from those who preceded me in doing earthquake education in California since the Field Act was passed in 1933.
What the claims made by Mr. Copp of ARTI, Inc., does not seem to distinguish is that the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" is a U.S.-based recommendation based on U.S. Building Codes and construction standards. Much research in the United States has confirmed that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" has saved lives in the United States. Engineering researchers have demonstrated that very few buildings collapse or "pancake" in the U.S. as they might do in other countries. Using a web site to show one picture of one U.S. building that had a partial collapse after a major quake in an area with thousands of buildings that did not collapse during the same quake is inappropriate and misleading.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which collects data on injuries and deaths from all reportable causes in the U.S., as well as data from three University-based studies performed after the Loma Prieta (September, 1989) and Northridge (January, 1994) earthquakes in California, the following data are indicated: Loma Prieta: 63 deaths, approximately 3,700 people were injured. Most injuries happened as a result of the collapse of the Cypress Street section of I-880 in Oakland. Northridge: 57 deaths, 1,500 serious injuries.
Most injuries were from falls caused by people trying to get out of their homes, or serious cuts and broken bones when people ran, barefooted, over broken glass (the earthquake happened in the early morning on a federal holiday when many people were still in bed.) There were millions of people in each of these earthquake-affected areas, and of those millions, many of them reported to have "dropped, covered, and held on" during the shaking of the earthquake.
We contend that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" indeed SAVED lives, not killed people. Because the research continues to demonstrate that, in the U.S., "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" works, the American Red Cross remains behind that recommendation. It is the simplest, reliable, and easiest method to teach people, including children.
The American Red Cross has not recommended use of a doorway for earthquake protection for more than a decade. The problem is that many doorways are not built into the structural integrity of a building, and may not offer protection. Also, simply put, doorways are not suitable for more than one person at a time.
The Red Cross, remaining consistent with the information published in "Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages," (visit http://www.disastereducation.org/guide.html) states that if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, remain there. Rolling out of bed may lead to being injured by debris on the floor next to the bed. If you have done a good job of earthquake mitigation (that is, removing pictures or mirrors that could fall on a bed; anchoring tall bedroom furniture to wall studs, and the like), then you are safer to stay in bed rather than roll out of it during the shaking of an earthquake.
Also, the Red Cross strongly advises not try to move (that is, escape) during the shaking of an earthquake. The more and the longer distance that someone tries to move, the more likely they are to become injured by falling or flying debris, or by tripping, falling, or getting cut by damaged floors, walls, and items in the path of escape. Identifying potential "void areas" and planning on using them for earthquake protection is more difficult to teach, and hard to remember for people who are not educated in earthquake engineering principles.
The Red Cross is not saying that identifying potential voids is wrong or inappropriate. What we are saying is that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" is NOT wrong -- in the United States. The American Red Cross, being a U.S.-based organization, does not extend its recommendations to apply in other countries. What works here may not work elsewhere, so there is no dispute that the "void identification method" or the "Triangle of Life" may indeed be the best thing to teach in other countries where the risk of building collapse, even in moderate earthquakes, is great.
More information can be found at: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/triangle.asp
American Red Cross response to "Triangle of Life" by Doug Copp
9/11/2004
Sent from
Rocky Lopes, PhD Manager, Community Disaster Education American Red Cross National Headquarters
Recently it has been brought to my attention that an email from Doug Copp, titled "Triangle of Life," is making its rounds again on the Internet. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is CORRECT, accurate, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for Earthquake safety. Mr. Copp's assertions in his message that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect.
Recently, the American Red Cross became aware of a challenge to the earthquake safety advice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." This is according to information from Mr. Doug Copp, the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of American Rescue Team International (a private company not affiliated with the U.S. Government or other agency.)
He says that going underneath objects during an earthquake [as in children being told to get under their desks at school] is very dangerous, and fatal should the building collapse in a strong earthquake. He also states that "everyone who gets under a doorway when a building collapses is killed."
He further states that "if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, to roll out of bed next to it," and he also says that "If an earthquake happens while you are watching television and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair."
These recommendations are inaccurate for application in the United States and inconsistent with information developed through earthquake research. Mr. Copp based his statements on observations of damage to buildings after an earthquake in Turkey.
It is like "apples and oranges" to compare building construction standards, techniques, engineering principles, and construction materials between Turkey and the United States.
We at the American Red Cross have studied the research on the topic of earthquake safety for many years. We have benefited from extensive research done by the California Office of Emergency Services, California Seismic Safety Commission, professional and academic research organizations, and emergency management agencies, who have also studied the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" during the shaking of an earthquake. Personally, I have also benefited from those who preceded me in doing earthquake education in California since the Field Act was passed in 1933.
What the claims made by Mr. Copp of ARTI, Inc., does not seem to distinguish is that the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on!" is a U.S.-based recommendation based on U.S. Building Codes and construction standards. Much research in the United States has confirmed that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" has saved lives in the United States. Engineering researchers have demonstrated that very few buildings collapse or "pancake" in the U.S. as they might do in other countries. Using a web site to show one picture of one U.S. building that had a partial collapse after a major quake in an area with thousands of buildings that did not collapse during the same quake is inappropriate and misleading.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which collects data on injuries and deaths from all reportable causes in the U.S., as well as data from three University-based studies performed after the Loma Prieta (September, 1989) and Northridge (January, 1994) earthquakes in California, the following data are indicated: Loma Prieta: 63 deaths, approximately 3,700 people were injured. Most injuries happened as a result of the collapse of the Cypress Street section of I-880 in Oakland. Northridge: 57 deaths, 1,500 serious injuries.
Most injuries were from falls caused by people trying to get out of their homes, or serious cuts and broken bones when people ran, barefooted, over broken glass (the earthquake happened in the early morning on a federal holiday when many people were still in bed.) There were millions of people in each of these earthquake-affected areas, and of those millions, many of them reported to have "dropped, covered, and held on" during the shaking of the earthquake.
We contend that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" indeed SAVED lives, not killed people. Because the research continues to demonstrate that, in the U.S., "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" works, the American Red Cross remains behind that recommendation. It is the simplest, reliable, and easiest method to teach people, including children.
The American Red Cross has not recommended use of a doorway for earthquake protection for more than a decade. The problem is that many doorways are not built into the structural integrity of a building, and may not offer protection. Also, simply put, doorways are not suitable for more than one person at a time.
The Red Cross, remaining consistent with the information published in "Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages," (visit http://www.disastereducation.org/guide.html) states that if you are in bed when an earthquake happens, remain there. Rolling out of bed may lead to being injured by debris on the floor next to the bed. If you have done a good job of earthquake mitigation (that is, removing pictures or mirrors that could fall on a bed; anchoring tall bedroom furniture to wall studs, and the like), then you are safer to stay in bed rather than roll out of it during the shaking of an earthquake.
Also, the Red Cross strongly advises not try to move (that is, escape) during the shaking of an earthquake. The more and the longer distance that someone tries to move, the more likely they are to become injured by falling or flying debris, or by tripping, falling, or getting cut by damaged floors, walls, and items in the path of escape. Identifying potential "void areas" and planning on using them for earthquake protection is more difficult to teach, and hard to remember for people who are not educated in earthquake engineering principles.
The Red Cross is not saying that identifying potential voids is wrong or inappropriate. What we are saying is that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On!" is NOT wrong -- in the United States. The American Red Cross, being a U.S.-based organization, does not extend its recommendations to apply in other countries. What works here may not work elsewhere, so there is no dispute that the "void identification method" or the "Triangle of Life" may indeed be the best thing to teach in other countries where the risk of building collapse, even in moderate earthquakes, is great.
More information can be found at: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/triangle.asp
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