← Back to context

Comment by kzrdude

11 hours ago

How do you use your 45 seconds?

At 45 seconds, load up social media. (although I actually missed the warnings this time, was focused on work) At least assuming the number is only 7.x.

If it were 8+ or somewhat closer, I'd get under my desk. (then pull up social media on my phone)

  • How does loading up on social media help?

    Maybe turn off any gas stove, secure any dangerous tools, stop your car, that kind of thing.

    • It's not that social media helps, it's that there's not really more to do. It's just another day on the ring of fire.

      In practice for anything short of the very biggest earthquakes, if you're close enough for the earthquake to truly be a big deal you're only getting a few seconds of warning. It's not a task list, it's stop doing the immediate dangerous thing you might be doing and grab immediate cover.

    • Modern gas stoves have security sensors to turn down themselves. I had to reset my water boiler when I got home.

If you are in a precarious position at the time 45 seconds can make all the difference a California resident.

Stop any trains. Open elevators at nearest floor.

  • Stop all surgeries if that is a thing you do. Stop doing any delicate hygiene routines if you happen to be in the middle of one.

    • Quite clear that people here work in low risk jobs. Anybody working with heavy machinery, drills, saws, knives, etc will immediately know how to use those 45 seconsa well. Those trades that don't typically let you read HN all day.