Hi Chris,

Yes, I know Petra (Yo, Petra, please send privately; I could use a good chuckle.)

Chris,I totally agree with your stance on this one, and the actions you took. (Request was tongue in cheek; I should have flagged it with a smiley face.)

I wouldn't doubt it if the government powers that be get these kind of "warnings" every day. Unless a predictor had an excellent track record, I'd "file 13" them asap.

Now, let's say such a scenario existed. Would I run out of town? No way. I dislike traffic jams even more than I dislike big earthquakes. I'd probably take the valuables down, review the earthquake plan with my family, make sure nothing dangerous was hanging over anyone's bed, and sleep well at night.

More often than not, even well-respected predictors miss the mark. There is a long way to go, still, in the field.

Now, if the scientific data also supported such a prediction, I'd give it a second thought. Still probably stay put. Or maybe I'd bring the helium balloon out of our garage, fill it with the helium we always keep on tap (we get it straight off the San Andreas via pipeline), supplies for six humanoids (older son lives in Oregon), four adorable chihuahuas, and two mice for a week or two, tether the balloon to the house (so as to not upset Steve Faucett),and watch it all unfold from the gondola. ;-)

Speaking of older son, indulge me this "proud mom brag alert": he has been invited by one of his professors to take a graduate level course in seismology. Since he already has a physics major under his belt, he stands head and shoulders above the other undergraduates majoring in geo science. He LOVES earthquake science, but also loves physics. The change in major has been good for him, as he also loves the outdoors.

Sorry for the long post.

Cathryn