Without getting into too many of the statistics, it is a known fact that
California is Earthquake country. The state is home to two-thirds of the
nations earthquake risk with over 500+ active faults. Scientist predict
based on seismic activity both past and current that a 6.7+M Earthquake
is 99% likely within the next 30-years. While the numbers are not meant
to cause an uproar of concern, as a Californian, your duty is to be
prepared.
Read below for important information on staying prepared before, during and after an Earthquake.
Additional government information can be found at the links listed at the bottom of this article.
If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away. Drop, Cover, then Hold On!
- If in a vehicle, pull over and stop.
- If in bed, stay there.
- If outdoors, stay outdoors.
- Do not get in a doorway.
- Do not run outside.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN AN EARTHQUAKE THREATENS
Prepare NOW
- Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to
- Practice Drop, Cover, then Hold On with family and coworkers. Drop to your hands and knees.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms. Crawl only as far as needed to reach cover from
falling materials. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.
- Secure items, such as televisions, and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable
objects on low shelves.
- Practice Drop, Cover, then Hold On with family and coworkers. Drop to your hands and knees.Cover your head and neck with your arms. Crawl only as far as needed to reach cover from fallingmaterials. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.
- Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to
meet if you get separated. - Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for at least three days, a flashlight, a fire
extinguisher, and a whistle. Consider each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not
forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical
equipment.
- Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. Standard homeowner’s insurance does not
cover earthquake damage.
- Consider a retrofit of your building to correct structural issues that make it vulnerable to collapse
during an earthquake.
Survive DURING
- Drop, Cover, then Hold On like you practiced. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head
and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Crawl only if you
can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris.
- If in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
- If inside, stay there until the shaking stops. DO NOT run outside.
- If in a vehicle, stop in a clear area that is away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses, or
utility wires.
- If you are in a high-rise building, expect fire alarms and sprinklers to go off. Do not use elevators.
- If near slopes, cliffs, or mountains, be alert for falling rocks and landslides.
Be Safe AFTER
- Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to
remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants,
work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
- Once safe, monitor local news reports via battery operated radio, TV, social media, and cell phone text
alerts for emergency information and instructions.
- Save phone calls for emergencies.
- If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the
shaking stops.
- If you are trapped, cover your mouth. Send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of
shouting so that rescuers can locate you.
- Do not enter damaged buildings.
- If in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building.
- Check yourself for injury and provide assistance to others if you have training.
- Expect aftershocks to follow the largest shock of an earthquake.