Prominent Tokyo, California Venues Experience Earthquakes
Two Disney Locations Shaken by Earthquakes
In recent seismic events, three prominent venues, Disneyland, Tokyo Disney, and the Rose Bowl, didn’t sustain significant damage, but they did spark discussions about the potential risks of hosting massive gatherings in earthquake-prone regions.
Disneyland, known as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” experienced a temporary shutdown of more than 35 Disneyland attractions following a magnitude-3.5 earthquake, including Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. The incident raised questions about the safety protocols in place for such a popular entertainment destination, with thousands of visitors daily, the ‘what if’ scenario loomed large.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the magnitude-3.5 earthquake struck Fullerton, California, about 2 miles from the parks, after 8 p.m. on Monday, December 5, 2023. A lighter aftershock followed at about 8:30 p.m. More than 2,800 people reported feeling the earthquake.
Tokyo Disney Resort was hit with the effects of a magnitude-7.6 earthquake on New Year’s Day, causing visitors to take cover.
Rose Bowl Experiences an Earthquake
Bringing in the New Year, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, faced seismic activity several hours before the highly anticipated NCAA National Championship Semi-Final matchup between Michigan and Alabama. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the magnitude-4.1 earthquake struck the Los Angeles area on Monday, January 1, 2024, at 8:27 a.m. The epicenter was about 16 miles southwest of downtown Long Beach.
In and around Southern California, more than 5,500 people reported feeling the earthquake, including fans on both sides and those attending the Rose Bowl Parade Monday morning. There is no known structural damage to the arena. However, the earthquake’s proximity to the expected gathering heightened awareness of the exposure of large crowds to natural disasters.
These incidents serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety of visitors at these high-traffic venues. With Disney properties worldwide and the Rose Bowl attracting massive crowds, educating visitors on safety protocols can mitigate risks during unforeseen events.
While these earthquakes didn’t result in catastrophe, they remind us of the potential vulnerabilities faced by major venues hosting large crowds and how to protect the well-being of attendees and preserve the enjoyment of these renowned locations.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Family and Home?
Take a moment to review these household tips to help your home and family stay prepared. And remember that your Homeowners insurance policy does not cover damage from an earthquake. Companies like QuakeInsurance by GeoVera provide flexible, affordable Earthquake policies for California, Oregon, and Washington homeowners. You can get your quote online with just the property address and Coverage A and start the process of protecting your most significant asset.