How to Prepare for an Earthquake in California

There is a natural phenomenon that can shake things up in a big way! It’s called an earthquake, and it’s caused by rocks moving beneath the Earth’s surface. These sudden tremors can lead to all sorts of chaos, like floods, landslides, and even fires! While earthquakes can happen anywhere at any time, some places are at a higher risk than others. So, if you live in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, or the Mississippi River Valley, it’s important to keep your wits about you and be prepared for anything!

Did you know that the U.S. has a public warning system that can give you the crucial seconds to take cover before the ground starts shaking? One of these is called the Earthquake Warning California and is provided by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Using ground motion sensors located throughout the state, the organization can detect earthquakes before people feel them. This means they can tell Californians to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” before disaster strikes. So, with systems like these, you can rest a little easier knowing that the system will protect you in the event of an earthquake.

If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you need to be prepared. The easiest way to stay alert is to download an app on your phone to receive alerts and notifications. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by making sure your device is set to receive emergency notifications. Never miss a moment when it comes to natural disasters, let the app keep you informed and ready for anything.

Try some of the trusted Earthquake Warning Apps:

• MyShake – free app is available for both iPhone and Android users, and provides both audio and visual warnings when earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or higher and Modified Mercalli Intensity III (weak) shaking occur.
• Earthquake: American Red Cross – free app is available for both iPhone and Android users. Their innovative app packs a punch with engaging quizzes and expert advice to help you stay safe and informed.
• Tremor Tracker – paid app ($0.49) is available for iPhone. Earthquake Explorer replaces a traditional, boring map with an immersive globe that allows you to navigate the planet and observe current tremors via interactive pins.

Being ready for an earthquake is key to being able to withstand it. It’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place. Don’t be caught off guard – take the necessary steps to ensure your safety when the ground starts to shake.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake:

• Discover the art of safety with your loved ones and colleagues through Drop, Cover, and Hold On drills. Gather around and make safety a team effort!
• Create an emergency plan that covers all the bases. Designate an out-of-state contact that everyone can reach in case you get separated. Decide on a meeting spot where you can regroup if communication fails. Assemble a kit with essentials like food, water, a flashlight, fire extinguisher, and whistle – because ain’t nobody got time to scramble for supplies during an emergency!
• Keep your home and loved ones safe by securing heavy items like bookcases, refrigerators, and televisions. Don’t forget about those wall-hanging decorations – make sure they’re secure too! And instead of risking a dangerous fall or costly damage, place your heavy and fragile belongings on low shelves for added stability.

How to Be Safe During an Earthquake:

• If you’re driving your car, don’t panic, just pull it over and hit the brakes. Don’t forget to engage the parking brake for added safety.
• If you happen to be cozied up in bed, quickly turn face down and use a pillow as a barrier from falling debris.
• If you’re outside, it’s important to stay in the great outdoors and avoid seeking shelter in buildings. Your safety is key, so find an open space and stay there until the shaking subsides.
• If you’re inside the building, it’s important to stay put and avoid running outside. Steer clear of doorways as well, as they may collapse and cause harm.

How to Stay Safe After an Earthquake:

• Brace yourself for aftershocks that could follow. Stay alert and prepared by remembering the essential steps of Drop, Cover, and Hold On – just in case you feel the ground start to shake again.
• If you are standing in the middle of a building that is destroyed, the best course of action is to evacuate immediately and distance yourself from the danger zone. Don’t even think about entering any buildings that have sustained damage, as they could potentially collapse at any moment. Your best bet is to put some distance between yourself and the site of the damage, and only return once it’s been deemed safe.
• When an earthquake strikes and you’re trapped, don’t lose hope! Rather than shouting, use a whistle or make some noise by banging on a pipe or wall. To protect yourself from dust and debris, cover your nose and mouth with your shirt.
• When tremors cease in tsunami-prone locations, evacuate to higher ground or inland right away. Steer clear of floodwaters since they may harbor sewage, waste, and dangerous chemicals.
• Take the time to check if you’re okay, after lend assistance to those around you if you’ve been trained. Master the skills needed to become the beacon of hope for those in need until professional help arrives.
• After finding a secure location, keep an ear out for important emergency instructions through the radio or TV, and don’t take any risks by straying from the relevant news.

Don’t be caught off guard by earthquakes! Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s important to know how to prepare for such unpredictable events. Our tips might just be the key to ensuring your safety and survival, so don’t miss out!