Disaster Preparedness-
Earthquakes


On average a damaging earthquake strikes somewhere in California every two years. Since 1987, however, Southern California alone has been hit by at least nine damaging quakes.

Seismologists believe that a major -magnitude 7- or larger earthquake is likely to occur somewhere in Southern California within the next 30 years.

Because the San Andreas Fault is the longest fault in the region, it produces the largest earthquakes.   Scientists estimate that large earthquakes on the San Andreas occur about every 130 years.  The largest earthquake on the southern portion of the San Andreas in recorded history occurred in 1857.  The fault ruptured all the way from Parkfield in southern Monterey County to Cajon Creek in San Bernardino County.  Scientists estimate its magnitude at 7.8.

Recent events have shown that earthquakes on other faults can have considerable impacts.  The Northridge earthquake in 1994 caused 57 deaths, more than 9,000 injuries and $40-42 billion in property losses.  Scientists estimate that more than 200 faults in the area are capable of causing an earthquake of magnitude-6 or greater.  Most everyone in Southern California lives within 30 miles of one of these faults.

No one knows when such a quake will hit, and no one can prevent it from occurring, but Californians can reduce the number of deaths, injuries and property losses it might cause by preparing.
Before the Earthquake

Assemble an emergency supply kit. Include the following supplies:

  • Nonperishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person, per day, three-day minimum)
  • Foods for people with special needs (infants, seniors)
  • Additional food, water for pets
  • First aid kit and special medications
  • Flashlights
  • Battery operated radios
  • Extra batteries
  • Sturdy shoes, extra clothing, blankets
  • Emergency cash
  • Adjustable wrench and other tools
  • Whistle
  • Manual can opener

Choose an out-of-state contact.

Identify the safe spots in each room:

  • Sturdy desks and tables
  • Interior walls
  • Identify hazards in each room:
  • Windows
  • Mirrors
  • Hanging objects
  • Fireplaces
  • Tall unsecured furniture

Reduce hazards:

  • Check the chimney, roof and foundation.
  • Bolt the house to the foundation.
  • Strengthen cripple walls.
  • Brace water heater and other appliances.
  • Secure hazards identified in hazard hunt.
  • Place heavy and breakable objects on lower shelves.

Hold practice drills.

Learn first aid.

Learn how and when to turn off utilities.

 
During the Earthquake
  • If you're indoors, duck, cover and hold. Avoid windows and outside walls. Do not use elevators.
  • If you're outdoors, find an open area. Avoid trees, buildings, walls and power lines.

  • If you're driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, signs and other hazards. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

 
After the Earthquake

Check yourself and those around you for injuries.

Prepare for aftershocks.

Check for utility problems:

  • Gas leaks

  • Water leaks

  • Broken wiring and sewage lines

Turn off utilities only if there's damage.

Check your supplies.

Use the phone only if there's an immediate, life-threatening emergency.

Check your house for damage.

Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

Avoid unnecessary driving.

Leave a written message indicating where you are and your physical conditions if you evacuate your home, work place or car.

Did you feel it? - Report an Earthquake
The Home Builder's Guide to Seismic Resistant Construction, a free publication offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is a convenient resource for gaining an understanding of the basic principles of seismic-resistant construction.  The guide includes a discussion of how earthquake forces impact conventional residential construction.  To receive a free copy, contact: FEMA, 8241 Sandy Court, Suite A; Jessup, Maryland 20794-2012; fax 1- 301- 362-5335; telephone: 1 - 800 - 480 - 2520.  Request FEMA publication 232.

Earthquake Information Links:  Applied Technology Council  Audio/Visual Information  Building Seismic Safety Council  California Universities for Research in Earthquake Engineering (CUREe)  Canadian Association of Earthquake Engineering   Earthquake Engineering Research Institute  Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology(IRIS)  Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research  National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act  National Information Service for Earthquake Engineering  New Zealand National Society for Earthquake Engineering  Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center  SAC Joint Venture   Seismology Society of America  Southern California Earthquake Center   Western States Seismic Policy Council| TriNet

Disaster Preparedness Links

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BE AWARE!  PREPARE FOR ALL HAZARDS!

Extracted and adapted from "Ready to Ride It Out?," California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Hazards are not limited to the listed topics and can occur at any time.

This information is produced as part of the Earthquake Survival Program (ESP). ESP is an awareness campaign designed to increase earthquake preparedness. The campaign was developed by the County of Los Angeles. The Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) and representatives from Imperial, lnyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties assist in the development of campaign materials and in coordination of the campaign.

 
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