Now that we’ve re-hashed the super-massive, Pacific Northwest-destroying super-earthquake (courtesy of the
Cascadia subduction zone), let’s talk about another, just-as-important earthquake.
It happened on July 1, 2015 in Nova Scotia, Canada, right in the middle of their Canada Day celebrations. Fortunately, nobody was hurt, and
Natural Resources Canada reported there was no damage. After all, “none would be expected” by the small, 3.6 earthquake.
Wait, so why are we even talking about this small-scale earthquake if it’s of no consequence?
Because it is.
You see, many people assume that their area is immune from earthquakes, and so they don’t prepare. But as we can see from this example, earthquakes do happen, even if we don’t think they ever would.
Mike Springer was at his home when the aforementioned earthquake struck. He was quite surprised at the occurrence.
“Holy mackerel,” he said, as reported by
CBC New. “I didn’t think we had earthquakes in Nova Scotia.”
Welp, turns out you do. But don’t worry, Mr. Springer, you’re not an anomaly.
Shortly after the major Nepal quake, an extremely rare 4.2 earthquake shook up Michigan. According to a
Michigan Live report, this quake was unusual because “Michigan is not on a major plate.” Which goes to show that we can’t necessarily predict the regions in which earthquakes will occur. Ironically, footage of the shaking was captured on video during a pastor’s appeal to donate to those effected in Kathmandu from the Nepal Earthquake. You can see that
video at this link.
Although both these recent earthquakes mentioned have been small and the effects were moot, it helps us realize that, no matter where we are, we are at risk for a potential disaster. It’s not just the Nepal earthquakes or the Cascadia subduction zones we need to be prepared for. We need to be prepared for the smallest inconvenience. After all, if we’re not prepared for an inconvenient natural disturbance, it could end up being more than just a little proverbial thorn in the side.
With the right magnitude or with the epicenter in the right spot, you could be dealing without power. Do you have your
alternate energy sources? Earthquakes don’t wait until it’s convenient. One could strike as you’re getting ready for bed, so if you don’t have an extra light or some source of power, brushing your teeth could be done in the dark.
Speaking of brushing your teeth…What if a water main broke because of the quake? Sure, you could go without brushing your teeth for a morning or night, but that’s not the best for your teeth – or those around you (no offense, but it’s true for all of us). Having an
extra source of water could come in really handy then.
Essentially, we need to be ready for anything. While you may not think that earthquakes happen where you live, you have just seen two examples of quakes that, according to probability, should never have happened in your lifetime. And yet it did. Fortunately, they were just small ones and no harm was done. But before a bigger one happens that should also never happen, go on out and get prepared.
How have you prepared for those natural inconveniences?
