Northridge Earthquake's devastating effects!
I felt like I was in Beirut or some war-torn place like that.
This past week, many residents in Desert Hot Springs awoke with a start.
What was that?
For some, the bed shook violently; for others dishes rattled and floorboards creaked.
Earthquake!
And, in the Midwest, a temblor centered in Illinois - the biggest earth-moving event in recent years - caused the locals to haul a** out of bed and take notice.
But, we're such a jaded lot here on the West Coast. After all, a new year barely flutters by without a little earth rattling now and then. Normally, Californians just roll over and slip back into dreamland.
That was not the case in 1994, though, when the Northridge Quake hit - big!
On the Richter scale, it was a staggering 6.8.
On that occasion, I was renting an apartment in a New-York-style walk up fashioned in old rugged bricks.
No retrofit, of course.
When the tumbler hit, I sat upright in shock. It felt like an airplane had smashed into the five-storey building. Yes, there was a lot of creaking and groaning goin' on, as the foundations seemed to give way.
As I peered out the window, the lights around Los Angeles systematically shut down - in what amounted to a domino effect - as far as the eye could see.
I scrambled out of bed naked - yes I slumber in the nude - but had difficulty getting my bearings in the pitch black that had fallen all around. As I searched for my pants, and my keys, and a flashlight - it suddenly dawned on me why it is often hammered into residents to be earthquake prepared.
The next time (!) I'll have a handy little kit packed away in a safe place primed and ready-to-go - with candles, matches, flashlight, and emergency water - you name it!
When I managed to locate a few stitches of clothing, I stumbled to the door - but a sturdy oak bookcase and a number of leafy plants which had smashed to the floor - were blocking the exit. After a few minutes, I managed to squeeze my way through, into the pitch black hallway.
Not a soul in site.
To make matters worse, the emergency doors had sprung shut and the elevators automatically shut down.
I headed for the back stairwell barefoot and cried out in pain when sharp edges of broken plaster bit into my flesh.
Throughout the ordeal, I did not encounter anyone.
When I stepped out into the street, people were huddled in near hysteria on the sidewalk, scantily-clad in skimpy nighties, boxers, and the like. A couple of neighbors were frantically listening to the radio for an update on the quake.
The newscasters were reporting that Los Angeles was hit by a major, devastating quake, centered in Northridge.
At this point, I realized my "lovebirds" had been left behind upstairs. Against protests from acquaintances, I dashed back into the crumbling building to rescue them from their perch in the kitchen.
Later that morning, we were notified by the Manager that the dwelling was red-tagged - unsafe to inhabit. All the tenants were forced to seek emergency shelter or turn to family and friends for assistance.
Northridge itself was shattered by the event.
Three-story buildings were turned into pancakes, freeway bridges were downed, and there were - of course - a number of deaths.
Down the street in Hollywood proper, as I sauntered into a local cafe for a coffee, ubiquitous armed guards stood at the entrance to retail stores to prevent further looting which had been earlier curbed.
I felt like I was in Beirut or some war-torn place like that.
In the final analysis, Earthquakes are part 'n parcel of life in California.
Is the big one on the way?
You bet your sweet bippy!
'Til then, we continue on our merry way.
Shaken, but not stirred!
Footnote
The Federal Emergency Agency recommends that if you're indoors when a quake hits, you should take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, cover your face, and stay away from glass and walls. If outdoors when the earth shifts, move away from buildings and streetlights and stay in an open space until the shaking stops. And, don't forget about potential aftershocks!