Story by SSgt. Jerrid M. Dawes, October 22, 1999 Observation Post Mother Nature had an itch she just had to scratch, and at 2:46 a.m. Saturday, she did just that.  Centered in the Lavic Lake training area the Hector Mine earthquake began four miles underground, with the shifting plates of earth producing a surface rupture spanning 23 miles.  Combat Center personnel, as well as many throughout the Southwestern region of the United States, were abruptly jarred from their slumber by the rumble of the quake.  The earth rolled for approximately 45 seconds, but did little than install fear and rattle some nerves.   There were no serious injuries to military personnel, family members and civilian employees who live or work aboard the base.  According to the United States Geological Survey, the lack of severe structural damage is due to the remote location of the epicenter, approximately 20 miles north from the Mainside area of the Combat Center.   "If the surface rupture had been through Mainside, there would have been mass destruction," said Karl Gross, a USGS geologist working as a liaison between USGS and the Marine Corps.  "At the rupture, there is a 12 foot right lateral offset (the shifting plates moved 12 feet).  You can just imagine what that would do to a permanent structure."  Damage to Mainside was minimal in the form of structural damage, however many families in the housing areas as well as several Marine Corps Community Services retail outlets aboard the Combat Center suffered internal damage to property and inventory.  Temporary structures at the Expeditionary Air Field were the hardest hit during the quake, as many trailers used as offices shifted on their supports, causing cracks to form in the structures.  Geologists consider this quake to be new, rather than an aftershock of the Lander's quake of 1992.  Aftershocks from the Hector Mine quake continue to manifest, as more than 1,000 have been recorded by the USGS.   Representatives from the Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs office are working with the USGS to study and document all pertinent data related to the quake, while assessment teams compile damage information to determine the monetary loss to the Combat Center.

Centered in the Lavic Lake training area, the Hector Mine earthquake began four miles underground, with the shifting plates of earth producing a surface rupture spanning 23 miles.

• Create a Family Earthquake Plan
• Know the safe spot in each room, (under sturdy tables, desks, or against inside walls).
• Know the danger spots, (windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall furniture).
• Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself and your children in safe locations.
• Learn CPR and first aid.
• Decide where your family will reunite, if separated.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members can call after the quake to report your condition. Carry emergency contact cards with out of state contact phone numbers.
• Develop a portable/auto survival kit for work and travel.

• Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are damaged.
• Check chimneys, roofs, and wall foundations for stability. Note: If your home was built before 1935, make sure your house is bolted to its foundation. If your home is on a raised foundation, make sure the cripple walls have been made into shear walls. Call a licensed contractor if you have any questions.
• Secure Heavy Furnishings
• Secure water heater and appliances that could move enough to rupture utility lines.
• Keep breakable and heavy objects on lower shelves. Put latches on cabinet doors to keep them closed during shaking.
• Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays, or cleaning products in cabinets or secured on lower shelves.
• Maintain emergency food, water, medicine, first aid kit, tools, and clothing.

SAFEST PLACE IN THE HOME: During an earthquake, stay away from heavy furniture, appliances, large panes of glass, shelves holding heavy objects, and masonry veneer (such as the fireplace). These items tend to fall or break and can injure you. Usually, a hallway is one of the safest places if it is not crowded with objects. Kitchens and garages tend to be the most dangerous. Also, know the safest place in each room. It will be difficult to move from one place to another during a severe earthquake.

EXITS AND ALTERNATIVE EXITS: Always know all the possible ways to exit your house and workplace in emergency situations. Try to discover exits that would only be available to you in an emergency.

ELDERLY, DISABLED, OR PERSONS UNDER MEDICATION: These people may have difficulty moving around after an earthquake. Plan to have someone help them to evacuate if necessary. Also, they may need special foods or medication. Be sure to store several days' supply of these special provisions.

PERSONS WHO DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH: People who cannot speak English often rely on their family or friends for information. If they are separated during an earthquake, they may need help. Prepare emergency information cards, written in English, indicating identification, address, and special needs.

PETS: After an earthquake, you should be concerned with your own safety before taking care of your pets. Storing extra food and water for pets is always a good idea. Keep them in a secure place at home after an earthquake. If you are evacuated, they will not be allowed at the emergency shelter.

POLICE AND FIRE: Know the locations of the nearest police station. Be aware that local fire stations will probably be empty and locked up for days after a major earthquake.

SHELTER AND MEDICAL CARE: After a damaging earthquake, emergency shelters and temporary medical centers will be set up in your community. Contact your local and state Office of Emergency Services to find out the plans for your area.

COMMUNITY PLANS: Know your neighbors and their skills. You may be able to help each other after an earthquake. Also know where to go to help your community after a disaster. It may be days before outside emergency assistance arrives. It is important to help each other.

PLAN TO REUNITE: Make a plan on where and how to unite family members. Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated. Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service. Remember, don't use the phone immediately after an earthquake, and make local calls only for emergencies.

PLAN RESPONSIBILITIES: There will be many things to take care of after an earthquake. Make a plan with your family, friends, and neighbors assigning specific responsibilities to each person. Remember that it may be difficult to get around after an earthquake, so each person's tasks should be related to where they may be.

DEVELOP A MESSAGE DROP: You need to identify a secure location outside your home were family members can leave messages for each other. This way, if you're separated and unable to remain in your home, your family will know where to go to find you. You don't want to publicize that you are not at home. That is why this location should be secure and discrete (i.e. under a paving stone, inside a tin can, in the back yard, etc).

INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM: The Los Angeles City Fire Department's Earthquake Preparedness Handbook

Putting down Roots in Earthquake Country Handbook Earthquakes are inevitable, but the damage from earthquakes is not. We can construct buildings that will not fall down and bridges that will sway, not break. On a personal level, we can secure computers and water heaters to keep them from breaking, install safety glass, and keep heavy objects away from our beds. We can store water and practice family safety plans to overcome fear and better cope with the aftermath of earthquakes. The lesson of the last decade of earthquakes is that you can make your home, your workplace, and your family safer. Stop by the fire prevention office, Building 1453 and pick-up your own copy of "Putting Down Root in Earthquake Country" handbook.

Copyright by the Southern California Earthquake Center University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, CA