Hundreds of residents from San Ramon gathered at a town hall meeting on Friday to discuss the recent swarms of earthquakes that have shaken the area. The event featured insights from first responders and seismologists who underscored the impossibility of accurately predicting earthquakes but emphasized the importance of preparedness.
Dr. Angie Lux from the Berkeley Seismology Lab explained that forecasting earthquakes is not currently viable. She stated, “So we can’t tell you that there’s going to be another big earthquake – and we also can’t tell you that there’s not going to be another big earthquake. We do know that this has been a very energetic swarm.” This sentiment was echoed by Chief Jonas Aguiar of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, who affirmed that prediction is not the goal; rather, preparation for potential incidents is vital.
Mayor Mark Armstrong, drawing on his experience as a former FEMA official, emphasized the need for residents to be informed and proactive. “That’s why I wanted to emphasize about being informed, about having a plan, and getting a kit and doing the things that individuals can do to be ready for a big earthquake,” he said.
Former Oakland assistant fire chief Don Parker, now a member of the San Ramon fire district, shared practical advice on preparing for earthquakes. He recommended that residents establish contact points outside of the area in case local communications fail during a disaster, which could prevent families from connecting after an event.
Residents expressed mixed feelings about the information shared during the meeting. Mark Lucas, a local resident, noted, “I grew up thinking I should go under a door frame – no. Go under a desk, go under a cabinet.” Meanwhile, fellow resident Molly Abreu appreciated the reassurance from experts even amid uncertainty: “I know that they can’t be predicted, and deep down I hope the big one isn’t coming, but it did make me feel better to know that I need to do things to prepare myself.”
Dr. Lux reiterated the certainty of a future big earthquake, advising the community to stay prepared. “Be prepared for that next big earthquake,” she advised. “We don’t know which fault it’s going to be on, but we do know that we can expect a big earthquake.”
This meeting not only raised awareness but also fostered a sense of community resilience, encouraging residents to take action in safeguarding themselves against future seismic events.