Tuesday, August 23, 2011

My first Earthquake......from an hurricane deployment.


This morning I deployed to D.C. to assist with Hurricane Irene. Little did I know I would experience my first earthquake today too.

Today has been an interesting day to say the least. It started with an early morning flight to D.C. to our National Disaster Operation Center (DOC) and really started rocking around lunchtime with a 5.9 earthquake.

As we were sitting eating lunch in the DOC the building started to shake. At first we didn't know it was a earthquake. The shaking stopped and then got stronger and then we knew it was an earthquake.

The cubicle shelves were rocking and then started flapping, the TV's with breaking news on them that are mounted from the ceiling were rocking back and forth, the ground was pulsating. It was one of the weirdest feelings I have ever experienced. The whole thing was so fast but seemed in slow motion all at the same time- if that makes any sense.

After the shaking stopped we evacuated the building and headed across the street to a park where everyone was gathering.

Here is a video I shot of the first announcement from a local official.



Needless to say this Midwestern girl isn't use to hurricanes or earthquakes so this has been one exciting day. I am glad that I was here with the best disaster experts in the world.
More to come from my hurriquake adventure...