DOES SIZE MATTER ??

If one asks the question, does size matter?, it might conjure up a lot of different answers.

There is the average fast food restaurant offering larger size fries and soft drink for a small additional amount of money. More to eat for less money. Then, there is the smaller car and a larger person trying to fit in it.

Oh, and then there are the human body parts. Larger this or that, and the perception that larger is better.

However, with earthquakes, larger is not better, but size does matter.

The recent earthquake in Japan, recorded at 8.9 Richter Scale magnitude, caused a lot of damage over a very widespread area. That damage was exacerbated by tidal wave or Tsunami activity.

Most people living along the west coast of the United States have experienced an earthquake. Having lived on the west coast for 64 years, I have experienced dozens of earthquakes. The most powerful was a 6.9 magnitude, and that was during the 1989 “World Serious.”

That quake, known as the Loma Prieta Quake, or the World Series Quake, caused extensive damage within about a 100–mile radius of the epicenter, killed 63 people, injured close to 4,000 people, and left 3,000 to 12,000 homeless, at least temporarily.

Comparing the World Series Quake to the quake in Japan last Friday, the quake in Japan was 1,000 times stronger. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/calculator.php
We have all seen pictures or videos of the horrific damage. Can you imagine what would have happened if the 1989 quake had been 8.9 magnitude?

Thousands, if not millions of TV viewers along the entire west coast of the United States and Canada are sitting in the comfort of their living room or den, watching the events unfold after the Japan earthquake. How many of them are paying attention?

The quake in Japan is a VERY BIG wakeup call for residents living near any of the coastal areas of Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and California. Certain ports along the west coast had Tsunami alerts, and there are reports of eight foot waves causing some damage.

More than likely, there will be a shocking increase in the death toll of the Japan earthquake. The financial damage will be mind boggling as well.

No matter how well prepared one might believe they are prepared, there is always the totally unexpected.

Many relief agencies suggest having at least three days of food and water in your home. I believe that should be a 7 to 10 day supply. That would be food that is edible without cooking, and, some foods that could be cooked by adding boiling water. Canned tuna, chicken, meats, and Ramen-type soups will provide some nutrition.

People forget about other things such as toilet paper, or paper towels, a flashlight, candles, matches, first aid kit, a supply of your medications, and a battery powered radio.

If a really big magnitude earthquake happens, roads might crack and be impassable, bridges might collapse, and you could be stranded. How will you survive for seven to ten days? What if you are ordered to evacuate your home? Where will you go, and how will you get there safely?

The people of Japan have experienced hundreds, if not thousands of earthquakes over the past 50 years. They are probably the most prepared for such events. However, even though they have the experience and were prepared, NO ONE had any realistic idea of what would happen if a Tsunami of major size swept inland.

Now, we all know what happens. It is an unfolding learning experience. Are we paying attention?