"The reality of living in Californian close to a fault line is that you need to be prepared for an earthquake to hit at anytime. To ensure the safety of you and your family in the event of an earthquake, or any other unexpected emergency, it is imperative that a safety plan is in place. I encourage my constituents to implement and periodically review an emergency preparedness plan to ensure they are ready when disasters hit."
-- Congresswoman Bono Mack.
At 10 AM on November 13, millions of Southern Californians will take part the largest-ever earthquake preparedness activity -- the ShakeOut Drill. I encourage everyone in our region to participate in this valuable opportunity! Click here to register!
There are many resources available on-line to help assist in emergency preparation. The following are some important tips and useful information that may help in the case of an earthquake:
Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan
• Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
• Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON with your children. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you.
• Choose an out-of-town family contact.
• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home.
• Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.
Be prepared to be without electricity, gas, water and telephones for up to three days. Have Supplies On-hand Including -
• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
Protect your Pets
General information on protecting your pets during a disaster.
More details on earthquake preparedness can be found at:
American Red Cross
General information (American Red Cross Homepage)
Be prepared for disasters
What to do after an earthquake
Preparedness information in many Foreign Languages
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
Tips for Riding Out Earthquakes and Other Disasters
Tools for Mitigating Earthquake Hazards in Your Home
California Office of Emergency Services (OES)
General information (California OES Homepage)
Earthquake safety information
California Seismic Safety Commission
General information
California Geological Survey (CDMG)
General information
Seismic Hazard Zone maps
Federal Emergency Management Agency
General information (FEMA Homepage)
Earthquake safety information
