Temporary Archive: Suzanne Brockmann's Message Board

I was living in the Bay Area during the Loma Prieta quake, when the Bay Bridge collapsed, etc. I was in a relatively solid neighborhood so damage was minor but it was still pretty darned scary.

I went to Portland a couple of weeks later, and all I could see were the brick buildings. I wanted to stay well away from them! And when we went to Powells Books and drove up the ramps into their ancient parking garage, all I could think of is "this is a really bad idea! If there is a quake this thing will collapse."

Over the years the feeling has subsided, but I am still conscious of earthquake safety and still find myself leery of old brick buildings. Also am aware of exits and such, none of which I paid much attention to before the quake.

So my theory is that this is learned behavior.