Hi Mary,

I would like to introduce you to one of the members of the California Earthquake Prediction Council, Dr. James Brune. The link below provides the presentation of an award presented by the Seismological Society of America. More than once in reading what others wrote about him, they often referenced the word "intuitive." I thought it strange in the scientific realm to address one as such, so I asked him directly what he thought they meant. He simply said, "I don't know."

There have been psychological studies to determine how people would react to earthquake predictions of a major earthquake and they concluded that what we see on TV with masses heading for the freeways and so forth is how people would react. Those studies are not current though.

Since the time of these studies we have had two major earthquakes in California which would offer anyone with intelligence a reason not to do this. In Loma Prieta we saw what happened to the Cypress Stucture freeway where it pancaked and killed about 40 people. We also have the Northridge Earthquake where freeway overpasses collapsed. I can specifically recall a very high structure where parts of it had broken away and way up there, all alone was a motorhome with people waiting to be rescued. These two visuals I believe would have a profound affect on anyone and would change what they might have thought before to be a good idea.

Most cities have emergency plans and they are all in waiting to use them. In the aftermath of Loma Prieta in the Marina District the water pipes broke and they had a backup plan. They used a water boat which pumped water from the bay into the firemens hoses and helped them put out the fires. They are more than ready.

In Petaluma the city is divided by freeway overcrossings at three locations. They too are ready as they know they will come down. So they have a portable bridging system which will be installed so emergency personnel can get across at first and locals later.

One matter that is not often addressed is the psychological fallout from having survived a large earthquake. Post traumatic stress syndrome is a common problem, but few associate the need for therapy to find relief after the disaster.

This is where preparedness messages on TV and radio would prove so beneficial. A little cartoon or something light hearted with an important message would teach people the do's and don'ts on a regular, routine basis. You cannot prepare millions for a disaster in which you are constantly told will occur in 30 years. A dose of realism is needed, but not a frightening one. Just saying California in general has not had a major earthquake in some time and perhaps its a good time to refresh our skills in preparedness.

One area in particular, which I have not personally addressed on my web site is teaching people basic emergency medical care. Though this can be found inside of most telephone directories, it would not hurt to have a person demonstrate the typical types of injuries people suffer and how to prepare a victim before transport to the hospital. Probably half the injuries could be eliminated if people could refrain from running to their windows to look out. Having glass flying into your body is no funny matter, but people don't think about it. They should.

Being prepared has little to do with building an earthquake kit, but that is what most people think about when you talk to them about preparedness. Actually, it is a state of mind; one which knows the hazards in all of the places they visit and knows what preventative measures need to be taken when there.

Petra

• Dr. James Brune