[TiepayWrary]

As an unpublished scientist, unrespected scholar, and a general hack, I can say all the information you have received on an impending California earthquake is true. That is why I got "the hell outta there."

Of course, after reveiwing my decision I realize now Japan wasn't the best substitute of locations.

Maybe that's why you are an unrespected scholar... moving from one major fault line to another.


Just kidding.

[Thorwaywhobia]

This kind of stuff happens when a big storm passes over somewhere. No matter what, there will always be that "next big storm" that will devistate some part of the country at any given time.

The thing is, we should already be prepared for these things, and depending on where you are, you would get the corresponding insurance (California = earthquake insurance, New Orleans = Flood insurance). Not to mention it's best to have a plan in place just in case you need to leave, whether it be to stay in a hotel somewhere or at a friend or family member's place.

Of course, there are those unpredictable events like the earthquake that rumbled the Atlanta area a few years back (I slept through that one). And of course after that there were talks as to how prepared we would be if a "big one" hit.

By the way, it was Katrina that caused the most damage. Not only monetary, but emotionally as well.

[ScosyGissiok]

In addition to the above posts, there's a greater than 50% chance that Southern California will be hit with an earthquake greater than or equal to 7.0 in magnitude within the next 30 years. There's a couple of sections of the southern San Andreas fault that are capable of producing a >7.0 earthquake and one or both sections are predicted to break within the next 30 years in addition to other hidden faults within the greater Los Angeles area. The odds are a little less but still over 50% in Northern California. These probabilities were put out by seismologists many years ago and are repeated every now and again to remind Californians that earthquakes are a normal part of life in our state. The recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast have just 'hyped' up the earthquake theories again and have caused our disaster officials to assess their capabilities. Unfortunately, some officials have already said that the local disaster response and resourses are lacking.

The 'Big One' in Southern California could happen in a few hours, a few days or a few years from now...Mother Nature will make that call.

[Qnpqbpac]

Just remember that every age thinks that they have it the worst and the storms are stronger, and there is more devastation, and we are fighting the war to end all wars. I'm really tired of hearing about 1000 year storms. We have those every 10 years. The question is it the scientists who over react or the media who spread lies.

[QQQQQ-Trek]

As an unpublished scientist, unrespected scholar, and a general hack, I can say all the information you have received on an impending California earthquake is true. That is why I got "the hell outta there."

Of course, after reveiwing my decision I realize now Japan wasn't the best substitute of locations.

Oops. Near the coast too, I'll bet.

[rhiniddibiarmr]

Well....I'm sure a large earthquake is going to hit california eventually...but i'm a little sceptical on the whole "the big one is going to happen soon" thing. People are willing to turn a situation to their advantage. I'd imagine that people in charge of making airport security devices made a lot of money after 9/11. I'm also pretty sure that computer companies made lots of money making "y2k proof" computers during the late 1990's. Considering the recent events, I'd imagine that insurance companies are going to be making loads of money selling insurance for natural disasters of all kinds.

[Avgustslim]

As an unpublished scientist, unrespected scholar, and a general hack, I can say all the information you have received on an impending California earthquake is true. That is why I got "the hell outta there."

Of course, after reveiwing my decision I realize now Japan wasn't the best substitute of locations.

[vernotixas]

Not to sound conspiracy theorist and all, but my hunch is that a lot of people are talking up the "big one" in an attempt to get money moving in the insurance industry. It's smart to have proper insurance anyway, but I can see them using this as motivation to prompt people to up their policies.

If it is sited by some scientific community guru that the big one is coming then I might believe it, but rumors are more like people just being paranoid and businesses looking to take advantage of a good selling point.