Palmer Buzz: Earthquake edition

If you are sick of Friday’s massive earthquake stories, read no further. This column is devoted to our greater Palmer stories of the humbling earthquake and aftershocks. All Saturday and Sunday was spent collecting stories and comments from dozens and dozens of friends and strangers.

Riding the Quake Naked—More than a few folks had just stepped out of the shower when the quake hit at 8:29AM. It was a choice: be clothed or be naked. Most chose naked. They said it was NOT exactly liberating—dressed in the natural body suit, during the earthquake explosion. But, a few said, it definitely made the one-minute ride far more memorable and a really great story.

Aftershocks—Following a particularly horrible aftershock, a gentleman told his wife, “What are we waiting for? Why don’t we just run around the house like cats and knock everything off the shelves and table with our paws. It might be fun. Why wait for an aftershock?”

Real life interrupted—This earthquake was unequivocally violent. There was very real alarm and terror. After shocks delivered repeated heightened stress. This entire earthquake episode has given all of us greater understanding to those suffering from any type of PTSD. We now know, first-hand, how unregulated our individual reactions can be to a sudden noise or vibration.

Questions—Why is it that when every item in our house is knocked over, that all the trees still have lovely snow sitting peacefully on the branches? Why did the blue bottle survive, but behead the little brown cat figurine?

“Just Stuff”—This was echoed over and over. Most everyone had messes, debris and rubble to deal with, at some level. But it really was “just stuff.” As far as we know injuries were minimal and there were no fatalities. Compare this with high death counts accompanying other major floods, fires, tornados, hurricanes and tsunamis in our world. Alaska, and in particular Palmer, was very, very fortunate. Some of this is because of our geology, building codes, engineered homes, planning knowledge, administration, readiness and resiliency.

Physics and Geology Lesson—In the last few days we are all so much smarter about tectonic plates and shifting resonant vibrations. Each aftershock causes a feeling of seasickness but we are also becoming far more aware of epicenters, depth ratios and waves of impact.

“It Was So Much Fun”—Yes, this is a direct quote. Several people actually enjoyed the earthquake experience and said it was fun. Finding this difficult to believe, I queried the individuals. It seems that they were all here during the 64 earthquake. They were very young and have nothing but great memories from that event. They remember school being canceled. As children, they remember all getting to sleep in one room. They remember eating lots of hot dogs, canned beans and popcorn. Therefore this recent earthquake was a joyous reminder and they fully enjoyed it and anticipated more of the same. This is an interesting frame of reference, although very few may agree.

Sound track—Many people described the noises that came with the earthquake. Some described it as an engine, earth’s thunder, or “a helicopter on my shoulder.”

Animals—Many claim that dogs sensed the earthquake, prior to the event. Very few dogs were ambivalent to the velocity of the earthquake. Everyone claims their dogs remain skittish and hyper-responsive to even small noises. Cats were known to hide for hours and hours. The official chicken house video shows chickens running and scurrying in all directions in mass chaos. The potential for egg laying could be diminished. Several animals were stuck in various rooms or buildings due to obstacles in doorways. Dozens and dozens of dogs followed their instincts and just ran away; many have been recovered but there are still some lost ones. If you see a domestic animal in an odd location, please report it to Animal Control.

Groceries—Both of our Palmer Grocery stores were remarkable with their responses. There was quite a mob at both, but as befitting Palmer, both the staff and customers were polite and compassionate. Both Freddy’s and Carr’s sit on good bedrock and therefore remained solid.

Landmark Day—November 30 will be one of those benchmarks in our memory. We will remember things “Before the Earthquake” and “After the Earthquake.” The day and aftermath will hold a special prominence. It is a significant and distinctive marker in our life yardstick.

Kudos to the Kids—The Palmer children I spoke with were somewhat nonchalant. They knew what to do. They have been trained monthly for years to seek secure shelter. This is where practice and drills pay off. They were calm and brisk and immediately under the desks. They responded to the “all clear.” And then they immediately started hugging each other and checking on everyone’s status. Despite the lingering trauma, we marvel at amazing children.

Huge thanks—To teachers, utility folks, food providers, administrators, medical staff, neighbors and always—the first responders and law enforcement folks, including dispatchers.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net