Earthquake shakes Cape Cod
While Cape Codders were preparing their hurricane survival kits for the possible landing of Hurricane Irene yesterday a 5.8 magnitude quake struck at approximately 2:00 PM. Centered north of Richmond Virginia the earthquake ranked six on a scale of one to ten which caused intense shaking and light damage. Some people on Cape Cod felt sick or nauseous, some people couldn't beleive that their cars or china cabinets were shaking while others didn't feel a thing. Little known is the fact that there are over 30 earthquakes a year in New England but few are strong enough to feel. Most earthquakes are a magnitude of 2.5.
Earthquake survival in coastal New England seems to be as real as hurricanes. With the 20 year anniversay of Hurricane Bob which just passed last week I have put together a Earthquake Survival list as follows:
1. Know how to turn off your gas, water and electricity. All family.
2. Plan family emergency procedures and plans for reuniting the family.
3. Know emergency phone numbers (doctor, hospital, police, neighbor etc).
4. Do anchor heavy objects to walls (bookshelves, wall units, cupboards).
5. Don't place heavy objects over the bed.
Inside: Stand in a doorway, or crouch under a desk or table away from windows.
Outside:Stand away from buildings, trees, telephone and electric lines.
On the Road: Drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stay in vehicle.
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE - STAY CALM
