Sherman Commemorates 15th Anniversary of Northridge Earthquake
Washington, D.C. - Today, on the 15th anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) is reminding residents of the San Fernando Valley and metropolitan Los Angeles how they can prepare for a future seismic event.
Fifteen years ago, dozens of lives were lost and thousands were injured by one of the largest earthquakes in our nation’s history. The Northridge Earthquake was also one of the most costly federal disasters, with damages in excess of $20 billion. It was the 11th largest earthquake recorded in California since 1769, measuring higher on the “Richter Scale” than any other North American earthquake in an urban area.
“The images of the collapsed apartments, freeways, bridges and buildings should remind us to prepare ourselves and our families for when Los Angeles is struck again by a major earthquake,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “It is imperative that we take the steps necessary to protect ourselves and our families should another major disaster occur, whether it is an earthquake, a fire, or another natural disaster.”
Sherman encourages all residents to prepare themselves by taking the following steps before, during, and after an earthquake:
Before an earthquake: (1) Check for hazards in the home, (2) identify safe places indoors and outdoors, (3) educate yourself and family members, (4) have disaster supplies on hand, (5) develop an emergency communication plan, and (6) help your community get ready by talking to your neighbors or participating in your neighborhood council.
During an earthquake: Take cover indoors in a safe place such as under a sturdy table or within a doorway. If outdoors, stay in a safe open area away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires.
After an earthquake: Expect aftershocks, listen to a battery-operated radio or television for emergency information, use the telephone for emergency calls only, stay away from damaged areas; inspect your home for damages, and inspect gas lines and electrical systems, as well as sewage and water lines.
For more information about Earthquake Preparedness, visit the following websites: www.fema.gov, https://www.usgs.gov, www.oes.ca.gov, or www.lacity.org/emd. Congressman Sherman’s San Fernando Valley constituents may contact him directly with questions or additional concerns at (818) 501-9200.
HISTORY OF NORTHRIDGE EARTHQUAKE
On January 17, 1994, at approximately 4:30 a.m., the San Fernando Valley and much of Southern California awoke to a massive earthquake that shook the nerves of residents for one minute followed by hundreds of unnerving aftershocks. When the shaking stopped, the 6.7 magnitude earthquake damaged 114,000 residential and commercial structures spread over 2,100 square miles. The Northridge Earthquake killed over 60 persons, injured nearly 12,000, left thousands temporarily homeless, and significantly impaired Los Angeles’ infrastructure network.
President Bill Clinton reacted quickly, deploying personnel and resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake to assist public agencies in the recovery effort. President Clinton declared a federal disaster within hours of the earthquake, enabling individuals to apply for federal disaster assistance.
Nearly 700,000 Southern California residents registered for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA disbursed $7.8 billion in Individual, Public and Mitigation Assistance program funds. In all, the Federal government expended $13.2 billion toward the recovery.