News
Steps to Take After Experiencing an Earthquake
If you have recently experienced an earthquake and are unsure of what to do next, you are not alone. Earthquakes can be a frightening and disorienting experience, but understanding how to react in the moment and being prepared for future incidents can make all the difference. Here are some important steps to take and information to keep in mind when dealing with an earthquake.
Table of Contents
What causes them?
Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates under the Earth’s surface. These plates are like pieces of an eggshell, constantly shifting and building up pressure over time. When the pressure between these plates exceeds the friction holding them together, it results in an earthquake. The release of this pressure sends seismic waves through the Earth, causing the ground to shake.
In some cases, earthquakes can also be triggered by human activities, such as oil production processes. While the exact cause of every earthquake may vary, the underlying principle remains the same – the movement of tectonic plates.
Can earthquakes be predicted?
Contrary to popular belief, earthquakes cannot be accurately predicted. While scientists can assess the likelihood of earthquakes in certain areas based on historical data and tectonic plate movement, pinpointing when and where an earthquake will occur remains a significant challenge.
Regions along the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean are particularly prone to earthquakes due to their proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. However, being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of an earthquake is crucial regardless of location.
You can prepare ahead of time.
Taking proactive measures to prepare for an earthquake can significantly reduce the risk of injury and damage. Securing furniture and belongings in your home, as well as creating an emergency kit with essential supplies, are essential steps to take before an earthquake occurs.
Earthquake early warning systems, such as ShakeAlert, can provide valuable seconds of advance notice before shaking begins. This allows individuals to take cover and protect themselves, potentially avoiding serious harm. Being prepared and informed is key to minimizing the impact of an earthquake.
What should I do if an earthquake happens?
In the event of an earthquake, remember to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. Avoid standing in doorways, as this was once recommended but is no longer considered the safest option.
Whether you are at home, in a vehicle, or outdoors, remain vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself during an earthquake. Staying low to the ground and finding a safe place to take cover are critical safety measures to remember. By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure your safety and the safety of those around you during an earthquake.
News
Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?
The price of gold has climbed to record highs recently and has remained strong through much of April. And, that growth continued until the precious metal traded at around $2,390 per ounce on April 19, 2024. But since, growth in the price of the precious metal has cooled, with gold’s price now hovering around $2,300 per ounce.
This lull in gold’s price may represent an investment opportunity.
In general, investing is centered around buying assets when prices are low and selling them when prices are high – generating a profit on the difference between the two. So, considering the declines in gold’s price over the past few days, now may be the time to make your investment. But is buying gold during this lull in prices really a good idea?
Compare your gold investment options among leading brokers now.
Gold prices have cooled. Should you buy in now?
With gold’s price down from recent highs, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy in. There are several reasons the dip in gold’s price may represent an opportunity to buy. Here are some of the biggest:
Prices may rise again
If looking at a gold price chart shows anything for certain, it shows that changes in the overall growth of the medal come in fits and spurts. Periods of price growth are typically followed by periods of declines and vice versa.
But with inflation rising in recent months – and with gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset that can hedge against inflation – it only makes sense that the price of the precious metal will eventually start to head up again in the future. While attempting to time that directional change may be tricky, buying the precious metal while the price is down gives you the opportunity to take advantage of any upward movement that may be ahead.
Add gold to your portfolio now before prices have a chance to rise.
You may be able to make a quick profit
Gold isn’t known as an asset in which you can earn a quick return, but in today’s market, that may be the case. Don’t forget that in January, gold was trading at just $2,000 per ounce. And, by mid-April, the commodity’s price had climbed to around $2,400 per ounce. That’s about 20% growth in a matter of months, much of which happened since March 1 – an impressive climb for any investment asset.
Perhaps more importantly, gold’s price growth through the beginning of 2024 shows that the commodity doesn’t have to be a buy and hold style investment that you keep in a safety deposit box or precious metal depository for years to come. There’s also the possibility that the commodity’s price could climb further ahead, making it a compelling way to potentially generate a quick profit.
There are other benefits of investing in gold
There are other benefits of investing in gold that have little to do with the price growth seen thus far in 2024 – or the lull in prices seen over the past couple of days. Those benefits include:
- Inflation protection: Gold has long been considered an inflation hedge, and for good reason. When inflation drives the prices of consumer goods and services up – and the value of the dollar down – gold’s price tends to rise. So, it could be used to maintain the value of your portfolio during inflationary economic conditions. That’s important in today’s economic environment as stubborn inflation continues to weigh on the value of the dollar.
- Portfolio diversification: Gold’s price doesn’t always move in the same pattern that bonds or stocks do. So, mixing a reasonable amount of gold into your portfolio (up to 10% of your portfolio assets) as a diversifier could protect you from losses should one or more of your traditional portfolio assets fall in value. “If you have less than 5% – 10% of your net worth in commodities & FX (forex), you should absolutely consider adding exposure to gold and other precious metals,” says Vijay Marolia, money manager and managing partner at the wealth management firm, Regal Point Capital.
The bottom line
Gold’s price has fallen from recent highs – which may represent an opportunity to tap into growth ahead. However, gold isn’t simply a “buy while it’s low and sell while it’s a high” kind of investment opportunity. The commodity can also protect your portfolio from the stubborn inflation we’ve seen thus far in 2024 while acting as a diversification tool that could increase your risk-adjusted portfolio returns. So, consider adding gold to your portfolio today while it has the potential to grow in value.
-
News2 weeks ago
Juno discovers massive lava lake on Io
-
News2 weeks ago
Possible Future Colleague of Trump: David Lammy, a Close Associate of Obama
-
News2 weeks ago
Kevin McCarthy, former House Speaker, seeks revenge
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Bethenny Frankel reveals that her mother Bernadette Birk passed away from lung cancer
-
News2 weeks ago
Voyager 1 Communications Restored by NASA
-
News2 weeks ago
Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Kim Kardashian completes strange task before having her coffee