Learn from the Past, Earthquake Experts Say

"The real danger [in La Cañada] are landslides (that follow major quakes)," Jones said. The earthquake may not last long, but the damage that follows, including landslides and fires, are related to those few seconds of shaking.

Jones gave a brief history of large earthquakes that have hit the state, including the 1904 San Francisco quake that had a magnitude of 7.8 and the 1857 Great Fort Tejon event, magnitude 7.9. She pointed out that the San Francisco earthquake provided a lesson on how a catastrophe like this can change the course of a city. Until then, San Francisco was growing into the financial capital of the country. Many people left the Bay Area after the earthquake, changing the dynamics of the city.

According to Jones, earthquakes are really more of a risk to our pocketbooks than our lives. She is forming a committee of professionals including scientists, economists, politicians and community members to work on a pro-active plan that will emphasize the Southern California area.

Traeger demonstrated with the use of Slinky coil-shaped wire toys what happens during a quake and how the magnitude and length of the quake would affect structures.

"My personal nightmare is to have an earthquake during a Santa Ana condition," Jones said. The potential for fire is always great after a earthquake, however with added high wind conditions, the disaster would turn to a catastrophe, she said.

The seminar was recorded and will be aired on cable Channel 16 or Channel 55, depending on your location, in the latter part of April.

Next week: Specific lessons that can be learned from the history of earthquakes and the fault lines closest to La Cañada as writer Mary O'Keefe expands on the presentation by Dr. Lucy Jones.