Earthquake Awareness Day
Published 14th December, 1:12pm
Cayman's observance of its first National Earthquake Awareness Day on 14 December comes with a warning from the Director of the office responsible for management of hazards, Dr Barbara Carby, that earthquakes can happen here at any time.
This date marks the second anniversary of the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Grand Cayman in 2004. Dr Carby explained that the first annual observance of National Earthquake Awareness Day is intended to focus the nation's attention on the fact that there can be a recurrence of this hazard in the Islands.
She said it is an opportunity to look at what can be done locally to minimise the effects should this disaster hit.
"Globally the trend is that we tend to use the anniversary of events to focus on the hazard. There is a threat of future earthquakes occurring due to our location," she said, explaining that the exact timing of earthquakes cannot yet be determined. "The science of earthquake forecasting unfortunately is not as advanced as that for weather systems, so we can't actually predict them."
Owing to that fact Dr Carby stressed the need for preparedness, and said this begins with the individual. "Each resident of the Islands must take responsibility for his or her situation," she said.
While pointing out that the National Building Code directs the way structures should be built for earthquake-preparedness, she further advised that occupants of buildings must pay attention to non-structural items. These comprise furnishing and equipment that are not securely attached to walls or floors and could become dangerous flying or falling objects which can cause injury.
Her advice is that, if an earthquake is felt, the best thing to do is to get under something sturdy such as a desk or table or if that is not possible, a door jamb. "Also, corners are usually reinforced. Stand in a corner, brace yourself against the shaking. After the shaking, go outside to a safe place, away from power lines, buildings, walls, or anything that could fall and injure you."
She also sees a wider protective and preparedness public role in earthquake readiness: "Government will have a plan, similar to the hurricane plan, setting out arrangements for rescue, medical care, control of secondary hazards (such as fires and hazardous material spills), shelter, inspection of buildings, etc."
She said that, especially for earthquakes, there must be plans for demolition of damaged structures which may pose a threat.
Earthquake Drill Thursday
As Cayman observes its first National Earthquake Awareness Day on 14 December, the Ministry of Education, to mark this event, will be staging an earthquake drill at its offices on Cardinal Road, starting at approximately 10:00am.
The exercise will be coordinated by Director of Cayman's national hazard management agency Dr Barbara Carby, and will include evacuation of the building by Ministry staff.
This activity, believed to the first of its kind in the Cayman Islands, launches a public awareness programme aimed at educating persons throughout the country on the best practice for response to an earthquake.
For further information contact: George Alleyne