The Northridge earthquake was portrayed by emergency preparedness officials as a great wake-up call for Southern Californians to shore up their homes in preparation for the Big One.
But five years after the earthquake that caused at least 57 deaths, almost 12,000 injuries requiring hospital treatment and more than $40 billion in damage, a large percentage of Southern Californians have apparently put that wake-up call on hold.
No studies have been done to determine the exact degree of readiness of households in the area, but there is anecdotal evidence of widespread indifference.
Last year, Red Cross officials said that they had to cancel several Earthquake Preparedness Month classes because of a lack of interest. Retail emergency supply outlets have reported a sharp decline in inquiries about home earthquake matters. And government funding has dropped off for preparedness projects.
"It's too frightening for people to face up to," said Pat Snyder of Tarzana, chairwoman of the state Seismic Safety Commission and former national chairwoman of the Red Cross' disaster services committee. "It's like saying to someone, 'You're going to get cancer.' "
In the months following the Northridge earthquake on Jan. 17, 1994, the interest in preparedness bordered on the obsessive. Government agencies funded programs to strengthen freeway overpasses and make other infrastructure improvements. New construction codes were enacted and automatic gas shut-off valves were mandated for some buildings.
Individuals were likewise galvanized into a preparedness frenzy. "For months I had people lined up around the block to get into my showroom," said Michael Essrig, owner of Safe-T-Proof, a Westlake Village emergency supply dealer. At the time of the earthquake, his "showroom" was his home garage.
"They camped out on my lawn and the telephone never stopped. I would get calls at 3 a.m. from someone who would say, 'I'm glad you're there, I need to talk.' "
But interest, especially concerning home preparations, has largely slacked off, experts say. Jill Andrews, outreach director for the Southern California Earthquake Center, blames the pressures of modern life.
"I think people are more worried about paying their bills, holding on to their jobs, avoiding a traffic accident," she said. "Earthquakes is maybe 20th on the list."
