The earth shook loudly in Los Angeles. Twice, on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th of July, reaching up to 7.1 of magnitude. The imminence of the "Big One" – the name given to a devastating earthquake that seismologists say is likely to hit California in the coming decades – is back in the air. But are we sufficiently prepared for this eventuality? French Morning helps you to revise your reflexes.
There is, of course, the instinct of the parent. "I spun in my daughter's room and I put myself above the cradle to be able to recover at the slightest problem"says Nadia Smith, French-speaking Burkinabe-Russian, and mother of little Mila.
When one does not have to worry about a child, things may be less obvious. Catherine Lefebvre, a French professor at a public university, admits to being paralyzed by fear. "But yet I know that if you're in bed, you have to lie down, next to, not below. This is statistically the place where you are most secure "assures the Belgian thirties. Her shared advice comes from a survival internship, where she learned to weave shoes with palm leaves.
But in general, when you are indoors, it is recommended to take shelter under a table or in the frame of a door (if you live in an "Adobe House"). A reflex that many have, but it's not enough. You also have to put your back to the windows and protect your neck, while holding on to something fixed, we repeat during safety exercises in schools. Another option is to place yourself in the fetal position at the bottom of a washing machine or a low furniture, recommends the Red Cross.
Violet, a journalist, remembers hearing that you always have to have a pair of shoes close to you (that means, next to her bed at night). In addition to the protection of feet, do not forget to prepare (upstream) a survival kit, with water quantity (ideally three liters per person), non-perishable food, some clothes, a first aid kit , a little cash, a wallet with copies of documents to identify yourself, even a survival blanket.
Escape is also a common reflex. Marie Dhaine, a French woman working in human resources, rushed out of her home in Culver City. Which is not always a good idea! Outside, avoid as many things as possible: buildings, structures such as lampposts, power lines and trees. Not to mention that California buildings are generally reliable (to check here for the most skeptical) and must adhere to a strict code. The probability that they collapse is therefore small, even with a magnitude 8.
Similarly, if you want to leave a building in disaster, avoid elevators and opt for the fire escape stairs (note to yourself: find out where they are placed).
And if the earthquake does damage or puts you in a dangerous situation, you can always call the emergency line of the Consulate of France at (310) 625-9713 or refer to your "island leader".
