Which Way, L.A.?
Radiation Plumes and Earthquake Preparedness
It's been a long time since Southern California's last big earthquake. Are we ready for the next one? We get some useful tips.
By Warren Olney • • 53m ListenIt's been a long time since Southern California's last big earthquake. Are we ready for the next one? Is local government staying up to speed? How about you? Would you remember to fill up the bathtub? We get some useful tips. We also hear what LA's vast Japanese-American community's going through right now, and about indirect effects on the local economy. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, Japan's ongoing disaster and the future of nuclear power.
Banner image: US Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne (C) and US Geological Service (USGS) Seismologist Lucy Jones (L) participate with Stevenson Elementary School students during the Great Southern California ShakeOut earthquake drill on November 13, 2008. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images
In this episode
4 storiesWhich Way Is the Radioactive Wind Blowing?
Nobody knows how much radiation will be spewed into the atmosphere by Japan's damaged nuclear power plants. We do know that the prevailing weather patterns might bring it in this direction. Jeff Masters is Director of Meteorology at WeatherUnderground.com , an online forecasting company.
Read the story5 minEarthquakes on the Pacific Rim: Are We Next?
We all know that Southern California is earthquake country and occasionally we get rude reminders. But the last big shaker was the Northridge quake back in 1994. We speak with experts and emergency responders about how individuals and their families can prepare. What about local government?
Read the story12 minSouthland's Japanese Community Reacts to Events in Japan
The toll of the dead and injured in Japan since Friday's earthquake and tsunami is more than 10,000 and still rising. An estimated quarter-million Japanese-Americans live in the southland, along with more than 100,000 Japanese nationals. We hear what they're going through and what they're doing to help those back in Japan.
Read the story9 minJapan's Ongoing Disaster and the Future of Nuclear Power
There hasn't been a nuclear power plant constructed in the United States since the 1970's, but the Obama Administration has approved federal loan guarantees for two new reactors in Georgia.
Read the story27 min
