Powerful Earthquake Shockwaves at USA, an earthquake on April 5, 2024, rattled buildings and sent shockwaves up the East Coast of the United States, from Philadelphia north to Boston. In Lebanon, New Jersey, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated the magnitude of the earthquake to be 4.8. Even though the West Coast is more frequently linked to earthquakes, this incident serves as a reminder that seismic activity can occur in many different parts of the nation.
The USA has had 203 earthquakes with magnitudes up to 3.3 in the last 24 hours. While smaller, frequently undetectable earthquakes are the norm throughout the East Coast, larger tremors, such as the one that occurred recently near New Jersey, are not rare. No matter where you reside, it is imperative to remain aware and ready for any natural disasters.
Recall that during seismic occurrences, safety precautions like securing heavy things, keeping an emergency kit on hand, and being aware of evacuation routes can make a big difference.
Is the East Coast prepared for earthquakes?
Every location, especially the US East Coast, needs to be prepared for earthquakes. Even though it is not as seismically active as the West Coast, earthquakes can nevertheless occur on the East Coast. The following are some essentials for earthquake readiness:
Infrastructure and Building Codes:
- A lot of the East Coast’s buildings were built before current seismic codes were set. It is imperative to retrofit older buildings to withstand seismic activity.
- Seismic safety is typically considered in the construction of newer buildings; nonetheless, ongoing maintenance and observation are required.
Public Education and Awareness:
It is essential to inform locals of the risks associated with earthquakes, safety precautions, and evacuation protocols.
- Communities can be better prepared for possible earthquake events through frequent exercises and awareness campaigns.
Plans and Supplies for Emergencies:
- Individuals and families ought to prepare for emergencies. This entails being aware of safe meeting locations, evacuation routes, and communication techniques.
- It is crucial to have emergency supply kits that include necessities like non-perishable food, water, first aid items, flashlights, and batteries.
Resilience of Infrastructure:
- It is imperative that vital infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, and bridges, be built to resist seismic activity.
- Backup plans for utilities (gas, electricity, and water) should be in place so that operations can be quickly resumed.
Resilience of the Community:
- In order to improve resilience, communities should work together with organizations, emergency services, and local government.
- Promoting community members’ involvement in preparedness initiatives cultivates a feeling of shared accountability.
Systems of Early Warning and Seismic Monitoring:
- Seismic activity is tracked by the USGS and other organizations. Systems for early warning can give vitals seconds to minutes in advance.
- Residents ought to be conscious of these systems and heed warnings.
Recall that readiness prevents fatalities. Being prepared and knowledgeable about earthquakes can make a big difference in an emergency, even in areas where they happen infrequently.
Emergency plan for my family:
Establishing a family emergency plan is a prudent and necessary move. Here is a thorough how-to to get you going:
Evaluate the dangers and risks.
- Determine any potential dangers and threats unique to your region. Think about power outages, medical emergencies, natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes), and other unanticipated incidents.
- Examine the emergency preparedness strategies and resources offered by your government or community.
Gathering of the Family:
- Call a meeting with your family members. Talk about the value of being ready and include everyone in the preparation process.
- Take care of any particular requirements (disabilities, medical issues, etc.) in your family.
Plan of Communication:
- Create a plan for communication.
- Emergency Numbers: Make a list of emergency contacts, such as friends, family, neighbors, and physicians. Add contacts from both local and distant places.
2. Meeting Locations: Determine secure locations for meetings both inside and outside of your house.
- Text Messaging: When phone lines may be busy during an emergency, text messaging frequently functions better.
- Emergency Alert Systems: Enroll in text- or email-based local emergency alerts.
Routes for Evacuation:
- Be familiar with the local escape routes. Put these routes into practice with your family.
- Make arrangements for your evacuation in case of an emergency if you are at home, work, or school.
Emergency Provisions Kit:
- Put together a fully supplied emergency kit. Add the following: 1. Water: Three days or more of one gallon per person per day.
- There is enough non-perishable food to last three days.
- First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies, pills, and bandages.
4. Batteries and Flashlights: Make sure you have extra lighting. - Vital Records: ID copies, insurance policies, health records, etc.
- Cash: small amounts.
- Clothes and blankets: fit for the season.
- Items for Personal Hygiene: soap, toothbrushes, etc.
- Continually inspect and upgrade your gear.
Extra Attention to Detail
- Make plans for the unique needs of your pets, elderly family members, and newborns.
- Medication: Make sure you have enough of the prescribed drugs on hand.
Practice exercises:
- Practice family emergency drills on a regular basis. Practice using emergency supplies, communicating, and evacuating.
- Instruct kids on how to dial 911 and what to do in certain situations.
Remain Up to Date:
Keep an eye on local news, weather reports, and emergency notifications.
- In an emergency, heed the advice of the authorities.
Recall that being ready is a continuous process. Regularly review and revise your plan. These actions will improve your ability to safeguard your family in an emergency. Be careful.
Mobile apps for emergency preparedness:
Numerous smartphone applications exist that improve one’s readiness for emergencies. Here are a few trustworthy choices:
The American Red Cross Apps:
- Emergency App: You may prepare for emergencies with the aid of this free app. Find open Red Cross shelters, access step-by-step directions, and customize 40 distinct weather warnings. accessible through the Google, Amazon, and Apple stores.
- First Aid App: Offers step-by-step instructions, videos, and quizzes, along with professional guidance for frequent emergencies. Both the Spanish and English versions are available.
- Pet First Aid App: Get knowledge on how to tend to your animal companions in an emergency.
- Blood Donor App: Track past donations and locate blood drives in your area.
FEMA Mobile Application:
- Emergency notifications are issued in real time by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Apps specifically for natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes:
With regard to natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes, possessing the appropriate applications on your phone can be immensely beneficial. Here are a few trustworthy choices:
Climate Underground:
- Weather Underground offers satellite maps, interactive radar data, and hyperlocal weather forecasts for Android and iOS devices. Keep yourself updated on local weather conditions.
Hurricane-Hunt:
- Hurricane Hound (for Android) does just what its name says: it lets you track hurricanes that are currently active utilizing weather satellite and US radar data. Observe how the storm develops.
Monitor of Natural Disasters:
- You can simply keep an eye on floods, tsunamis, tropical cyclones, and more with Natural Disaster Monitor (for Android). The software shows the varying threat levels on Google Maps using color-coded symbols.
Weather Radar on MyRadar:
- For Android and iOS users, MyRadar Weather Radar offers accurate and fast information on impending storms. Push notifications will provide you with severe weather alerts, satellite photos of cloud cover, and high-resolution animated weather radars.
American Red Cross First Aid:
- This software provides essential, life-saving advice and instructions for surviving everyday emergencies and natural disasters. Available for iOS and Android. It encompasses more than just hurricanes and earthquakes. There are also dedicated apps from the American Red Cross for storms, floods, and tornadoes.
Warning of Disaster:
- Download the Disaster Alert app to receive alerts on impending storms, hurricanes, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, floods, and wildfires (available for both Android and iOS).
The ICE Medical Standard
- ICE Medical Standard (iOS and Android) places your emergency contacts and important health information on your lock screen. Even if you are unconscious or in a stupor, first responders can still get this vital information right away.
Don’t forget to download and adjust these apps according to your needs and area. During emergencies, being organized can make a big difference.
Accuracy of these apps during real emergencies:
Numerous factors can affect an emergency app’s accuracy in real-world situations. Let’s investigate these points:
Sources of Data and Updates:
- The timeliness and quality of an app’s data sources have a major impact on its correctness. Apps that obtain real-time data from reputable organizations—like the USGS, FEMA, or the National Weather Service—usually have higher accuracy rates.
- Frequent updates are essential. Erroneous data might result in errors in settings that are changing quickly.
Regional Particularity:
- While some apps offer hyperlocal data, others give more comprehensive regional data. The degree to which the app adapts info to your particular location determines how accurate it is.
- A hurricane tracking app, for instance, ought to be able to forecast a storm’s route through your location with accuracy.
Crowdsourcing and User Contribution:
- Some apps (such as those that notify road closures, power outages, or damage) rely on data that users have contributed. Crowdsourcing has the potential to improve situational awareness, but it can also add errors.
- Check information provided by users with official sources.
Network Interconnectivity:
- Network infrastructure might be jeopardized in an emergency. Even apps with cached data or offline functionality can offer useful information.
- But if you don’t have internet connectivity, real-time updates can take longer to appear.
The design and functionality of the app:
- In stressful circumstances, usability is enhanced by user-friendly interfaces and clear instructions.
- The efficacy of the app is increased by features like interactive maps, alarms, and push notifications.
Restrictions and Exclusions:
- The majority of emergency apps have limitations stated in them. Take time to properly read these.
- Recognize that no software can take the place of expert counsel or common sense.
User Action:
- Users must act upon the information presented for even the most accurate apps to be effective. It’s crucial to follow evacuation instructions, look for shelter, and maintain informed.
Overreliance and False Alarms:
- Occasionally, slight earthquakes or technological issues may cause apps to set off false warnings.
- Steer clear of app dependence. Utilize them as tools, but be mindful of official alerts and warnings as well.
Keep in mind that no app is perfect and that using your own discretion is still crucial. Utilize apps in conjunction with other trustworthy sources, such emergency bulletins and local authorities. Remain vigilant and educated.