Next Saturday, October 17, is the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake. 
The quake shook the San Francisco Bay Area beyond its 7.1 Richter score: Dozens of people died, millions in property losses were sustained, and the City was shut down for days.
Guided By History began three and a half years ago as part of the centennial commemoration of the 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco. That and the Gold Rush certainly are the defining moments for the City, even as it’s enjoyed a long and dynamic reputation since.
But remembering something from a century ago is different than something that occurred in our lifetime. Many who are too young to remember are still connected to people who not only remember, but who were there. During the first months of this blog's existence, we wrote about Loma Prieta and used its lessons to help everyone prepare for the next one — the one that is coming any minute....
I myself have a distinct memory, which I wrote about last year. Many people I work with have memories, and many others remember moments and people and stories from that eerie day.
Between now and next Saturday, we'll share some of those stories. But there's nothing more important than taking that personal drama you read about, and turning your feelings about it into a specific action — namely, taking the few minutes to get your kit together.
The coldest thing to consider is that at least 63 people died in the Loma Prieta disaster, and thousands were displaced and homeless afterward. These events are real — they happen, they will happen again, and ordinary people like you and me will be affected. I am glad to help rekindle awareness, and maybe some people will be spurred to create or re-energize their disaster plans.
But I also want to take time out this week to remember the many people who lost their lives that day. Many were just folks on their way home from work, something we all do routinely. Their loss is real. And the loss is still sudden, even over these 20 years.
October 11, 2009 7:42 PM | Reply
Wow, I was not aware of this disaster. It is so important that we remember our shared history, and never forget those affected by tragedy. Thank you for posting this!
October 13, 2009 8:44 AM | Reply
Thanks Tessa!