This thrust quake triggered at a depth of 11.4 miles and rose to less than a mile beneath the earth's surface.  Fortunately for everyone involved the fault broke in a direction away from the most heavily populated areas, rather than towards them.

 

This quake's duration was something like 11 seconds, but for many years remained the costliest natural disaster in US history.  As of January 2009 its costs have been exceeded only by the September 11, 2001 terrorism attacks, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

 

At only a moderate magnitude and short in duration, as well as because of the fortunate timing and directionality, the costs of this quake were much less than they could have been.  Future quakes in Southern California may easily exceed the magnitude by over one full point, releasing well over 30 times more energy, and lasting significantly longer.  When the San Andreas goes, the shaking will be measured in minutes not seconds.  In fact, if the Northridge earthquake had lasted even 30 seconds, over 20,000 more buildings would likely have collapsed.

 

There were also over 17,000 documented natural gas leaks that occured either during the initial quake or the heavy aftershock sequences.  Had neighborhoods been empty while people were at work, raging fires might have started and spread rapidly through large areas.  However, because neighborhoods were in fact occupied, many had the opportunity to shut-down broken lines. 

 

The people affected by the Kobe, Japan quake that struck one year to the day later were not so fortunate.  Almost 7,000 people perished, and all too many of them in the flames that followed the shaking.  Southern California citizens and communities need to pay attention to these lessons, and take the potential for these secondary effects to heart as they work together to plan for future disasters.

 

The average homeowner claim was for $100,000, and about $65,000 - 70,000 of each was typically for damaged home contents.  The overall costs of quake damage, as well as the types of damage reported in claims, contributed to the later formation of the California Earthquake Authority to change earthquake insurance in California.  Almost all earthquake insurance now excludes all contents damage except for $5,000.  However, buying and properly installing appropriate seismic restraints not only can save your furnishings and equipment, but it can save your life.  In a 7.1 quake the acceleration rate is to 60 miles per hour in 2.6 seconds.  Strapping down your belongings may save you from meeting them head-on, so to speak.  Take steps to protect yourself and others now.  Contact us for a free seismic restraint catalog.

 

The Northridge earthquake provided many lessons learned, and these are only a few.  When it comes to readiness, there's a whole lot more you need to know, and a one-size-fits-all approach is not enough.  Contact us as soon as possible to arrange a consultation.  We will help you personalize your plan, after analyzing the special risks and considerations in your situation.  Call us now at 626-256-7900!