Earthquake
Earthquakes occur on a near-daily basis in southern California. Most are small and their impact is negligible. Geologists believe the potential for for a damage-producing earthquake to be moderately high, and just a matter of time. Even if the earthquake is not in San Diego county, Carlsbad could be impacted by interuptions to utilities (broken power lines), shortages of supplies and damage to transportation routes. It is important that every resident and business have an emergency plan to provide for basic needs (food, water, shelter, sanitation, etc.) for 72 to 96 hours.
Recently produced tsunami maps of the region show low (but not zero) risk of damage to structures in Carlsbad resulting from earthquake-generated tsunamis.
According to geologists, the San Andreas fault is not expected to cause catastrophic damage to the Carlsbad area. There are a number of local faults, however, that have the potental to cause significant damage. Although precise forecasting of earthquakes is still not possible, scientist are continuing to improve prediction tools and forecast that a major quake will strike Southern California with in the next 30 years. Findings contained in the April 2008 Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast Report include:
- SOCAL risk greater than NOCAL
- 97 percent chance of earthquake ≥ 6.7 by 2038
- 46 percent chance of earthquake ≥ 7.5 by 2038
- Elsinore Fault capable of 7.5 (previously thought to be 7.0),11 percent of 6.7 by 2038
Rose Canyon Fault capable of producing 6.9 earthquake, or more.
Carlsbad residents may feel tremors from other fault zones, including San Andreas.
Carlsbad residents, schools and businesses are encouraged to enhance their earthquake preparedness by participating in the Great California ShakeOut scheduled for October 15, 2009.
A strong earthquake in the San Diego area could result in:
- Negligible to slight damage in buildings of good design and construction
- Considerable damage in poorly built, badly designed, or non-retrofitted structures
- Broken or collapsed chimneys and non-reinforced masonry structures
- Broken or flying glass
- Possible interruption to utilities, including gas and electric power, water, sewer, phone and cellular communications
Residents are encouraged to be aware of the potential for falling glass or debris, compromised structures, downed power lines and contaminated water resulting from earthquakes.
Earthquake preparedness and response
Always avoid windows and breaking glass.
Always prepare for aftershocks.
Inquire about need to boil water after major earthquakes that damage infrastructure.