We had an earthquake!

18 April 2008

St. Louis isn’t exactly known for its earthquakes, though we’re near a major fault and back in the early 90s there was an unfulfilled earthquake prediction that got everyone thinking about disaster preparedness.

This morning about 4:30 a.m., my husband and I were awakened by the sound of the windows in our 100-year-old home rattling. It was bizarre. We speculated on the cause. I thought a high gust of wind. He suggested it was an earthquake, which I dismissed out of hand.

When I checked our local paper’s website this morning, I learned it was indeed an earthquake, measuring a relatively mild 5.2 on the Richter scale.

At about 10:15 this morning, as I sat at my computer, the house started to gently shake. I’m guessing it was an aftershock. It lasted for what felt like quite a little while (though probably less than 10 seconds). And it was kind of freaky. I realize that it’s something Californians live with, but it was unfamiliar to this midwesterner!

All of a sudden, I’m thinking I need to buy and read uber-organizer Judith Kolberg’s book, Prepare for Disaster: Organizing Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural or Unnatural Disaster.

I’m glad that we have earthquake insurance!

Tagged with: disaster preparedness, earthquake, judith kolberg

Comments

Oh my goodness. Paul and I, both having spent a lot of time in California (he got the San Francisco earthquake, I got Whittier and others)woke last night as our house shook and made some pretty scary sounds. We knew right off what was going on, had a brief debate about the size, and rolled over to sleep knowing that our vital records were safe in the bank! Thanks!

Lucinda April 18, 2008 11:52 AM

Hi Janine! I want to add you to my reader and my blogroll… do you have an rss feed link?

Megan Spears April 19, 2008 01:56 PM

I know that feeling. I was once in the Adirondack mountains with my nephew. We were awakened at 6:30a.m. when our little mountainside cabin was violently shaken. My first thought was that I had NO IDEA what you are supposed to do in the event of an earthquake. So, yes, we’d all be wise to brush up on our preparation for natural disasters. The way the world is changing you just never know what might occur in your own home town.
joan kosmachuk

Joan Kosmachuk April 20, 2008 08:09 PM

Thanks for your comments, Lucinda, Megan and Joan! Megan, I’ve inquired about an RSS feed link.

Janine Adams April 21, 2008 03:59 AM

Hello! I’m Janine Adams — a certified professional organizer based in St. Louis, and the creator of Peace of Mind Organizing®.

I love order, harmony + beauty, but I believe that the way that you feel about yourself and your home is what truly matters.

If you’re ready to declutter with a purpose and add more ease to your life, you’ve found the right blog — and you’ve found the right company.

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