Earthquake Preparedness in Southern California

In any earthquake country, be it the US, Mexico, Europe or Japan, and any other country all over the world, there are perennial issues on how governments initiate the speeds of processes for disaster preparedness. The possibility of earthquake prediction is also a matter that has brought further complications regarding preparedness planning. Besides, the forecast also brings with it, many issues that governments must try to cope. Earthquake is a risk to both habits and the environment. Earthquakes are inversely proportional to capacities of resisting the same. There have been talks of the regional SCEPPs in other sections of California working towards the realization of the mandate for which such mitigation mechanisms are set up. It is essential that all countries that are faced by earthquakes time and again to accelerate plans that would see to it that the earthquake plans are looked at and given more significant priorities.

Even in the nations that have considerably sophisticated plans of an earthquake like Japan, there are dangers of complacency, and this is not good for any country serious about the welfare of its citizens (Adams, Rachel, et al, 1407). A major quake in California has the possibility of being the next major catastrophe in the US. Scientists have intimated that there is a 99 percent chance that California is likely to experience earthquakes of the magnitude of at least 6. The other consequence of major earthquakes is that major utilities, as well as communication infrastructure, could face technical hitches for weeks or even months if the issues of quakes and the subsequent aftershocks have not been identified and addressed. The mobility within quake-prone areas like California is also likely to get disrupted dues to the roads experiencing landslides and fault ruptures.

Consequently, transport could be interrupted to and from Los Angeles and the Long Beach. This will also inhibit the general commuter traffic leading to losses in the tune of billions of dollars. As a result of the catastrophe, hospitals could also carry out the day to day operations at reduced capacities, and this can be so frustrating to the general populace who might be in dire need of health services, especially medication and emergency departments (Balicer, et al. Volcanic eruptions and mudslides trigger a tsunami. As a result of these severe consequences, there is the need for those living in areas that are prone to earthquakes to have adequate preparation for the catastrophe (Bourque, 1928). This preparedness includes premeditated actions that are meant to help people know the various safety precautions while building structures.

Through the awareness, the citizenry can gain insights and the knowledge that pertains to methods of having their buildings constructed in the affected areas. The preparedness plans by the SCEPP includes having structures and buildings designed in the capacity that could resist earthquakes and seismic fractures. Aside from these, the government through its disaster management department prints out leaflets, books and posters with emergency awareness tips and supplied to the public (Munoz, Anna, & Brady, n. p). The last preparedness strategy by the government includes the removal of large objects from the towering areas towards the lower grounds. It is also advised that those using halogen lights to replace them with luminous lights to curb the fire peril. In the United States, relatively novel strategies have been created to speed up the intensity and pace of preparedness.