🚀 go-pugleaf

obrien@netcom.com (No parking EXCEPT FOR BOB) wrote:

>Lana Mountford <lsmntfrd@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>>You *ALWAYS* have some warning that a tornado is on the way.  You at least
>>have a chance to get yourself somewhere reasonably safe.  Earthquakes just
>>... happen.  I've never been more scared than I was during the Loma Prieta
>>shaker in 1989.  YMMV, of course!

>What would you do with a warning?

In the case of an earthquake, you do have a point.  I guess at least I
could *mentally* prepare for it.  Not much one could do to distance oneself
from it, is there?

>Maybe I'm somewhat of a fatalist, but as far as I can tell, like you
>say, "Earthquakes just ... happen." and there really isn't anything
>useful you can do in time.  The main shock of Loma Prieta lasted, what,
>fourty-five seconds?

I think it was less time than that -- I seem to recall 20-25 seconds?  I
think for me, it's probably a "control issue."  In a tornado, I get time to
choose how to respond.  In an earthquake, it's thrust on me with no
warning.

>Prepare, certainly.  But when it happens, I've always just tried
>to enjoy the ride.  Usually, there's some disappointment because
>as soon as I realize what it is, it's over. 

I'd actually enjoyed all the smaller 'quakes I experienced prior to Loma
Prieta -- the largest was, I think, about 5.6.  The experience in '89 was
totally different, though -- it felt different and even *sounded*
different.  You knew almost immediately that it was serious.  I'm much
better prepared now, so I guess that's a "good thing."  Bookcases are
bolted to the walls, house is bolted to the foundation, extra stocks of
food/water/etc.  

Cheers!  Lana