Those who live in California have to face when the “Big One” is going to hit. This is an earthquake with a magnitude of at least 6.7 and is enough to be deadly and very costly. Unfortunately, there is no real way to predict an earthquake like you can tornados or hurricanes.
Japan has detectors set up that gives about 30-40 seconds of warning that an earthquake is happening. They have found that this is valuable in helping save as many lives as possible. Our American government doesn't quite seem to feel the same way though. They say that this kind of warning system is too expensive at this time. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and early tornado warning systems are okay though. However something that could save hundreds of lives is not important enough. Our government doesn't usually put these kinds of systems in until hundreds of lives are lost and millions of dollars have been spent in fixing and rebuilding things.
I feel sorry for those in California or actually anywhere along the West coast. There will never be enough warning for earthquakes or tidal waves. They have to face the worst of Mother Nature's fury with no preparation for what she can unleash on them. Those in the Midwest have their tornados and warning systems. East and Gulf coast have tornado warning systems and hurricane tracking charts. Some of us can prepare if we have the means. Those on the West coast have to keep in the back of their mind that one day the “Big One” will come. May the government learn from its mistakes, have the money to fix all of that mess, and have the courage to explain why it can't spend money to save lives ahead of time instead of waiting for a disaster. They know it is coming. God have mercy on them when it does.
