It's Raining Boulders in Grand Terrace

Dry ground from the summer's drought, and increasing rain from El Niño can result in unstable soil conditions. This may cause mudslides or even dislodge boulders during earthquakes. On Sunday, Jan. 10, the City of Grand Terrace received a report of a recenty earthquake causing a boulder to tumbled down and crashed onto Palm Avenue, leaving indented cracks on the asphalt. Currently there is no timeline as to when the boulder will be removed as the City does not own equipment capable of moving the heavy material, and the work must be contracted out. With the resent bought of tremors we’ve experienced serves as a reminder that we live on the San Andreas Fault, and the next earthquake is never too far away. This brings to question. Are you prepared for an earthquake? Here are some things to keep in mind: • Become aware of fire evacuation and earthquake safety plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly. • Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. • Practice “drop, cover and hold on” in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. • Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed in case the earthquake strikes in the middle of the night. • Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation. • Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs. • Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs. • Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit. • Brace overhead light fixtures. • Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor. • Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose. • Learn about your area’s seismic building standards and land use codes before you begin new construction. • Store critical supplies (e.g., water, medication) and documents. • Plan how you will communicate with family member, including multiple methods by making a family emergency communication plan. Don’t let the ground go out from under you. Be prepared. To learn more tips about what you can do to be better prepared or what to do during an earthquake please visit: http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/earthquake