A roving earthquake simulator gave San Diegans in the biotech and medical fields a chance to experience the feeling of a 9.5-magnitude quake – and think about how to prepare for a potential “big one.”
The Quake Cottage – a mobile quake simulator – is the brainchild of San Diego resident Michael Essrig. On Thursday, Essrig launched the 10th version of the Quake Cottage – the largest of its kind – which fits eight people at once and is set up to mimic a biotech lap-type workspace.
The simulator is equipped with Essrig’s patented Safe T-Proof earthquake fastening system, straps and fasteners designed to keep large, heavy items secure and save lives in buildings and homes during quakes.
When “riders” step inside the Quake Cottage and the ground begins to rattle, items inside the simulator – including computers, televisions, microscopes and lab beakers – also shake, but the fasteners keep the items from unhinging or shattering.
“They’ve never felt anything like it – guaranteed,” Essrig said, describing riders’ reactions to the fake quake. “They’re surprised at how hard it shakes and how vulnerable they really are by not preparing.”
Essrig held demonstrations Thursday for workers in San Diego’s biotech and hospital communities in an effort to show them how survivable a high-intensity earthquake can be in their workplace, if they properly fasten items.
Essrig said quake preparedness is crucial for everyone, but researchers in the biotech field can really benefit from securing their workspace.
“Scientists work for months and even years on special research projects, and it costs a fortune. Can you imagine if an earthquake hits and everything is thrown to the ground and destroyed? All that work for nothing,” said Essrig.
He said the Quake Cottage often serves as a wake-up call for those who try it. Many times, people leave ready to go home and fasten their furniture and other big items such as refrigerators and televisions.
The mobile quake simulator was first created in 1994. Since then, it has been used by several states, municipalities and government agencies to increase earthquake safety awareness and educate the public on proactive disaster preparation. Part of the simulator houses an earthquake "learning center" filled with useful information. The Quake Cottage often travels to schools as well as corporate and public events.
Two versions of the Quake Cottage are also currently being used at U.S. Naval bases in Japan. To learn more about the traveling simulator, visit this website.
