Chino Earthquake Reminder that ‘Big One’ is Due in California

By Anastacia Mott Austin

Most earthquake experts are saying that California was lucky this week, when a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Chino.

While the quake was shallow, meaning it caused a short, sharp jolt, the damage was limited. Experts say this was mostly due to extensive retrofitting and earthquake conscious building since the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which registered a 6.7 on the Richter scale.

Since the quake, more than 50 aftershocks have rattled the area, though none were bigger than a 3.8 magnitude.

Shallower quakes generally cause more damage than deeper ones, which have more of a rolling quality.

Seismologists say that the 5.4 quake could be the jolt they were hoping for, to get citizens of the area to become more prepared for the inevitable "Big One" (meaning a quake larger than 7.0), which some say is 99 percent sure to happen in the next 30 years.

Most Californians are aware of this ominous prediction, yet the majority of people do not have even basic earthquake supplies, such as emergency water and canned food, at the ready. Nor do they have their heavy furniture secured to walls, as is recommended.

The American Geological Survey suggests that families create an emergency kit, stored somewhere like a garage or outside the home, which contains basic supplies like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, medications, some cash, identifications, pet food, etc.

It’s also suggested that residents formulate an emergency plan. Where the family will meet if their home is destroyed; what if family members are at school or work; what to do with pets; how to get help if needed, etc.

The USGS reports that less than 10% of California households have an emergency plan, and fewer than 50% have an emergency earthquake kit.

Experts say smaller quakes like the recent 5.4 Chino quake can be seen as positive because they serve as a wake up call, and can help people be better prepared.

"We can only hope to get a little shake once in a while to remind us," said Kate Hutton, a seismologist at Caltech. Hutton told reporters that earthquake experts only have a few days after a quake that they call "teachable moments," to remind people of how to be safe during a bigger quake.

When there are no quakes for a while, residents become complacent, and forget about the very real danger of earthquakes.

"Any time you don't have an earthquake for a long time, people's concerns go elsewhere," Hutton. "There's nothing like a good shake to change their minds."