CSUB Professor Urges Kern County Quake Plans as Fault Stress Hits 1,000-Year High
Updated
Updated · Bakersfield Now · Jun 17
CSUB Professor Urges Kern County Quake Plans as Fault Stress Hits 1,000-Year High
1 articles · Updated · Bakersfield Now · Jun 17
Summary
Matthew Herman urged Kern County residents to prepare now and use “drop, cover and hold on” during shaking, saying California remains broadly vulnerable to damaging earthquakes.
A new study found the southern San Andreas and San Jacinto faults are under some of their highest stress in 1,000 years after more than 160 years without a major rupture.
Herman said that risk is not limited to famous faults, pointing to the 2019 Ridgecrest quake as proof that lesser-known faults can still produce major damage.
He warned against standing in doorways during a quake, saying doors can swing and injure people; getting under cover and holding on is safer.
Kern County is better protected than decades ago because of stronger building codes, but Herman said households still need plans before the next quake hits.