Earthquake News
The recent tragedy in Turkey has focused attention on the destructive powers of earthquakes and poses the question: what can we do to prevent property damage, injury and loss of life in the event of an earthquake?
The Caribbean island chain was formed by volcanic activity along a fault line, where the Caribbean Plate meets the North American Plate beneath the sea. These plates are constantly grinding against each other and there are hundreds of earthquakes every day, although most can only be detected by the most sensitive instruments.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expressed concern that building codes must be revised and new construction must be engineered to withstand not only hurricane force winds, but also earthquake tremors.
- Do not leave your house. More people die from falling debris outside than from any other effect of an earthquake. Immediately get into a doorway or passageway, which, if the building is properly constructed, will be secured by a "header," a heavy beam that supports the opening from above. These are the strongest parts of any house.
- Cover your face with your hands. A rocking, twisting building will often "blow out" windows, sending shards of flying glass.
- If you cannot reach a doorway or passageway, duck under a sturdy table or into a closet, which will protect you from shifting furniture and flying debris.
- If you are outside, do not try to enter any building. Get as far into the open as you can, well clear of any falling material. Watch for fissures opening in the earth (these deformations are rare, regardless of what Hollywood filmmakers tell us, but they are possible). If you are in your car, stop in an open spot and wait it out. A car is the safest place to be in a quake.
- After the initial shock, be prepared for aftershocks, for they are inevitable. Sometimes, as in the Big Bear Lake/Landers (California) quakes of 1992, an aftershock can even be a second, larger quake, triggered by the first. Aftershocks, while usually mild, can topple buildings and other structures weakened by he main quake - so beware.
- Immediately check for broken gas, sewer, water and electrical lines. Shut off utilities at the meters should damage be found.
- Check for structural damage. Telltale signs are broken or wrinkled plaster walls, ill-fitting doors, and foundation cracks. Take photos for insurance purposes.
- Stay away from fallen power lines and stay off the roads.
How Force 10 can help?
All Force 10 buildings are engineered to withstand 165 mph sustained winds and Zone 4 earth tremors. Zone 4 refers to areas of the world that are most vulnerable to earthquakes, and includes the Caribbean island chain. Force 10 backs its buildings with a 10 year structural warranty, as well as, a product component guarantee against structural damage for earth tremors up to 7.8 on the Richter scale. To read more about the Force 10 Engineered Building System, go to our About Force 10 page.
For more information on earthquakes, visit the United States Geological Survey Earthquake Information web site.
