Earthquake Preparedness Traditional Geocache

This cache is located in the Los Trancos Open Space Preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Palo Alto. The scenic ride is just 7 miles south of Hwy 280 on Page Mill Road. Look out for the abundant wildlife and bikers that are common along the way. You're 662' from the cache as you enter the trail, but instead of a quick grab, I recommend taking the self-guided earthquake tour (more info later), and picking up a few more caches along the way. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted.

The massive March, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Northern Japan was just another reminder that as Bay Area residents, like the victims in Japan, we live in Earthquake Country. The San Andreas and Hayward fault lines lie beneath the homes of our friends and families, and we’re left to ask “When?” not “If” the next Big One will impact our lives.

Since we don’t know when or where the next large earthquake will strike, we have no choice but to prepare. We also don’t know where we’ll be during an earthquake. Your preparations should not only take into consideration that you might be at home, but that you might be at work.

Are you prepared for a major earthquake while at work? NASA Ames Research Center is one major Bay Area employer that holds regular earthquake preparedness drills. These earthquake preparedness drills are called “The Great Worden Quake” (named after Ames Director Pete Worden), and involve all center personnel. Each Ames worker is trained to meet in a designated location after an earthquake, where they proceed when the drill begins. After a roll call is taken, the workers proceed to one of several Evacuation Zones where they await more detailed instructions. Emergency responders treat the simulated injuries, and rescue personnel simulate building rescues. The results of these drills are analyzed by Center Management, and lessons learned are incorporated into future drills.

The Great Worden Quake

As you search for the “Earthquake Preparedness” cache today in Los Trancos, realize that you are standing directly on top of the San Andreas Fault Line which splits the park. I highly recommend that you take the self-guided earthquake tour that’s explained in the brochures at the trail entrance. There are 9 different stations along the way, and the brochure interprets the landscape features associated with the fault.

This is cache 5 of 6 in the "Beyond Safety" series of safety themed caches. Please post pictures of your caching experience that may be used in an upcoming safety presentation at Ames Research Center.

Beyond Safety - Cache 1 of 6 - Hearing Conservation
Beyond Safety - Cache 2 of 6 - Eye and Face Protection
Beyond Safety - Cache 3 of 6 - Voluntary Protection Program
Beyond Safety - Cache 4 of 6 - BZ Walking Club
Beyond Safety - Cache 5 of 6 - Earthquake Preparedness
Beyond Safety - Cache 6 of 6 - Slips, Trips, and Falls

Congratulations - You've found the entire "Beyond Safety" cache series!