The Whittier Narrows, California Earthquake of October 1, 1987—Response of Lifelines and Their Effect on Emergency Response

Abstract

The response of lifeline systems was good, but there were component failures. Communication inadequacies did have a significant impact on the emergency response system. The dysfunction of lifelines, primarily power, communication, and natural gas systems put an added burden on the emergency response system and was the source of most fires. Damage and dysfunction included the frequently observed failure of ceramic elements on high voltage substation equipment, damage to large liquid storage tanks, and the saturation of the telephone system, including emergency response networks, with inappropriate calls. These hold the potential for compounding impacts after larger, more damaging earthquakes. The need to change operating procedures of some lifelines and to update emergency response public information is indicated.