So I know everyone is aware of the magnitude 5.8 (downgraded a short time ago from 5.9) scale earthquake that struck the area early today. I'll tell my earthquake story first.
I work on the 7th floor of an office building in Baltimore. I felt a sway back and forth, which caused me to get up from my desk and look around to see what the heck was going on. Then came the second jolt-- harder and lasted a little longer. OK, time to get the hell out of the building. A lot of co-workers had the same idea. The building evacuated in less than three minutes, I'd say. About 45 minutes later, the all clear sounded and life returned back to normal-- well, at least back to talking about what the hell just happened.
Here in the HoCo, emergency response countywide jumped into action quickly. Within two hours of the event I received about four e-mails from various civic entities-- my village, county council, the school system-- regarding the event and response to it. It was a thorough, extensive response and it was most appropriate.
I do have a question mark forming over my head over the HCPSS's decision to close school buildings this evening as a precaution. As a precaution against what, exactly? Is there a concern for afterschocks? Is there a concern about the integrity of some of our school buildings? More information, please.
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