Home & Garden Columns

A Quakelet With a Vertical Twist 

The 4.2 quake early Friday, July 20, which originated near Butters Drive in the Oakland hills, gave Berkeley some serious shaking. The energy moved northwest along the Hayward fault and, by the time it rose to the ground in Berkeley, it was vertical, so Berkeley felt it more than other places. Shaking was felt near Point Reyes, and as far as Napa. 

The entire Hayward Fault is due for a large quake. The last major quake on that fault was 139 years ago. Did the July 20 quake release some of that strain that’s been building up over the years? Unfortunately no, says Steve Walter, USGS seismologist. What does he suggest? “Be prepared.” Get your emergency kit up to snuff, secure that furniture, get an automatic gas shut-off valve installed, and have your retrofit checked. 

Here’s to making your home secure and your family safe. 

Larry Guillot is owner of QuakePrepare, an earthquake consulting, securing, and kit supply service. Call him at 558-3299, or visit www.quakeprepare.com.