The ground beneath me recently turned into a liquid-like wave, and with no ShakeAlert or “pet-alarm” to warn me, my own nervous system was the only early warning I had. This recent 5.7 magnitude jolt on April 13 was a reminder that in California and Nevada, we are guests on a restless crust. April has a haunting history of shaking us awake, from the catastrophic Great San Francisco Quake of April 18, 1906, to the Morgan Hill event of April 24, 1984. The Fallon, Nevada quake was a wake-up call to get my ducks in a row, because in Lake Tahoe, the only thing more predictable than a shake is the fact that the next one is already overdue.As the author of “The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes,” I was taught a thing or two by the late geologist Jim Berkland. Here’s some health tips to keep on hand to be prepared when the next earthquake hits.The “Anchor & Shield” Protocol: Since you can’t rely on technology or animal intuition, your body is your go-to tool. If you feel the “rolling” sensation of a quake, don’t wait to identify the magnitude. (I did that after the shaking stopped.) Drop, cover, and hold on. This lowers your center of gravity, lessening the vertigo that causes the “sea-sickness” effect. “The “Survival Cache” (Food & Water): You need a “grab-and-go” supply that requires zero preparation. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days. Focus on foods that don’t require cooking: proteins (tuna), peanut butter, nuts, and dried fruits.The “Medical Baseline”: Maintain a “Go-Kit” with essential prescription meds, trauma kit, and OTC remedies for nausea and vertigo to manage the lingering “quake-sickness” that persists after the shaking stops. The “Aftershock Jolts”: Never assume the first quake is the last one. After the initial shaking, move to a “safe zone” away from glass, and bookshelves. If you are indoors, check for gas leaks by smell. Turn off the main gas valve if you suspect a leak. So, the ShakeAlert system didn’t go off because Nevada isn’t in the system; California is part of the USGS ShakeAlert network. But, even with a perfect system, people close to the epicenter often feel the shaking before an alert can be sent. My cat’s sixth sense for tremors failed me this time, so I was left to navigate the sudden ground-shaking entirely on my own.
CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, Courage with Paws, and the new, revised 2nd edition of The Healing Powers of Honey (pre-order for 2026 summer), and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, 3rd edition is in production. She is a South Lake Tahoe local.
No comments:
Post a Comment