By Charly SHELTON

Large earthquakes have been striking around the Pacific Rim in the last few days. Following an 8.1 quake in the Gulf of Tehuantepec in southern Mexico on Sept 7, the country just outside of Mexico City was rocked again by a 7.1 quake on Tuesday. As of press time, the death toll was approximately 225 including those who died when a primary school collapsed in the quake. After the 7.1 in Mexico, there was a 6.1 quake just south of New Zealand on Tuesday, and then a 6.1 quake off the coast of Fukushima, Japan and a 6.5 quake on Vanuatu on Wednesday. On Monday night, a 3.6 quake shook Westwood but, despite the fact that shaking was felt all the way into Glendale, no damage was reported.

Living in earthquake country means always being prepared for the “big one.” Disaster preparedness kits are essential, as well as quake proofing homes and having an escape plan. All this and more can be found in the US Geological Survey’s informative packet, “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country,” which can be found at USGS.gov or on CVWeekly.com.

  Charly Shelton