Yes, it’s been 19 years since an earthquake caused some serious devastation to Los Angeles. It almost seems like remembering a movie starting Bruce Willis where he ends up saving the world. But it really happened. So why are we talking about it? Because it’s important to remember earthquake safety all the time. The most dangerous thing about earthquakes, besides their ability for destruction, is that even scientists cannot predict them with any certainty.

Nineteen years ago last Thursday, the San Fernando Valley in Southern California was violently shaken by what is now known as the Northridge earthquake. Lives were lost, and there was widespread catastrophic damage estimated at $15 billion in the earthquake that measured 6.7 on the Richter scale. Freeway overpasses were cut in half. Almost 60 people were killed, and over 20,000 were made homeless by the quake. Is that serious enough for a reminder? [Read more…]