Virginia Earthquake: One Year Later

Courtesy of Erika Hilliard, Spotsylvania County

The was definitely a shocker and nerve-racking. My grandson and I were home alone while my husband and two daughters were at work. The house shook with vibration and the decorations on the walls and shelves began to tumble over onto the floor and our dogs started making funny noises.

I remember my grandson running to me with a scared face and asking me what was happening. At this point I had only thought that maybe it was a big training blast at a military base or the Spotsylvania Stone Quarry because sometimes we can feel and hear those. But after a little while I knew that this was different and only after it was all over did I realize it was an earthquake!

It was one quake followed by several aftershocks. All I could think about was the safety of my family. Were they OK? My daughter who works at Stafford Hospital called maybe 10 minutes after the earthquake stating that she had been trying to get in contact with us for the longest, but the cell phone towers were overwhelmed with calls. I spoke with her and let my grandson speak to her for a little so she knew that he was safe and comforted because that was his first earthquake experience. I tried to get in contact with my husband and my other daughter and was unsuccessful at first. After awhile my husband did call and stated that he was working on some heavy construction equipment at the time and that it was scary, but he was safe and on his way home. It took me a very long time to get in contact with my daughter who was at work in Washington, D.C., but her friend let her use a phone that actually had service.

Communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts after a major event like the Aug. 23, 2011, earthquake. Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process. For most declared disasters, resources will also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies. One of the first things you should do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and damages that need immediate attention.

Make sure you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment techniques. You should be able to administer first aid and to identify hazards such as damaged gas, water, sewage and electrical lines. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government. But, first take care of your own situation. Remember your emergency plans. Aftershocks may cause additional damage or items to fall, so get to a safe location and take your disaster supplies kit. Once you are safe, help others and check for damage. Also, please take pictures inside and outside of the home and important paperwork in a safe place.