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An earthquake is a sudden,
rapid shaking of the Earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock
beneath the Earth's surface. This shaking can cause buildings and
bridges to collapse; disrupt gas, electric, and phone service; and
sometimes trigger landslides, avalanches, flash floods, fires, and huge,
destructive ocean waves (tsunamis). Buildings with foundations resting
on unconsolidated landfill, old waterways, or other unstable soil are
most at risk. Buildings or trailers and manufactured homes not tied to a
reinforced foundation anchored to the ground are also at risk since they
can be shaken off their mountings during an earthquake. Earthquakes can
occur at any time of the year.
Aftershocks. Aftershocks are
smaller earthquakes that follow the main shock and can cause further
damage to weakened buildings. After-shocks can occur in the first hours,
days, weeks, or even months after the quake. Be aware that some
earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and a larger earthquake might
occur.
Ground movement during an earthquake is
seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related
injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects
as a result of the ground shaking, or people trying to move more than a
few feet during the shaking. Much of the damage in earthquakes is
predictable and preventable. We must all work together in our
communities to apply our knowledge to building codes, retrofitting
programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.
The best protection during an earthquake is to get under heavy furniture
such as a desk, table, or bench. 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.
For more information on earthquakes visit the following website:
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/
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