What do you do if there is a earthquake in California?

Riding the Shakes: A Californian’s Guide to Earthquake Preparedness and Survival (The Human Touch)

Okay, let’s face it: living in California means living with earthquakes. It’s the price we pay for the sunshine and the In-N-Out. But seriously, with a near certainty of a major quake hitting us in the next 30 years, getting prepared isn’t just smart, it’s downright essential. Think of it as your Golden State survival guide.

Before the Ground Shakes: Getting Your Act Together

The best way to handle an earthquake? Be ready before it even happens. It’s like that old saying: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

• Securing Your Space: Take a good, hard look around your home. What could fall on you?
  • Those bookshelves? Anchor ’em to the wall. Top-heavy furniture? Secure it! And for heaven’s sake, move those bowling balls off the top shelf.
  • Flexible gas lines are a must. Strap that water heater like it’s going into space. Trust me, you don’t want it wandering around during a quake.
  • Keep your bed away from windows. Broken glass and shaking are not a good combo.
• Making a Plan: Sit down with your family and hash out an emergency plan.
  • Where will you meet if you’re not together? How will you communicate if the cell towers are down? Practice your plan every six months, like a fire drill, but for the ground moving.
  • And hey, don’t forget to check out the emergency plan at your workplace, too.
• Building Your Earthquake Kit: This is your lifeline, folks. Think of it as a camping trip gone wrong, but you’re stuck in your house.
  • Home Kit: Aim for at least three days’ worth of water. One gallon per person, per day. Non-perishable food is key – think canned goods, protein bars, stuff that won’t go bad if you look at it wrong. And don’t forget a manual can opener! Seriously, you’ll thank me later.
  • The Essentials: First-aid kit (know how to use it!), flashlight, a radio that doesn’t need electricity (crank or battery-powered), extra batteries, a dust mask (the air can get nasty), a whistle (to signal for help), a wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities), moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, and local maps (because GPS might be down).
  • Make it Personal: Prescription meds are a must. Extra glasses if you wear them. Baby formula if you have a little one. Pet supplies for your furry friends. Cash (ATMs might be out). And copies of important documents, just in case.
  • Car Kit: Keep a smaller kit in your car. Extra clothes, shoes, a blanket or sleeping bag, and a fire extinguisher are all good ideas.
• Reinforce Your Home: Think about retrofitting your house to make it more earthquake-resistant. It’s an investment, but it could save your life.
  • The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) can help with the costs. Bolting your house to the foundation and bracing the crawl space can make a huge difference.
• Financial Preparedness: Get your important papers in order. Seriously consider earthquake insurance. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a good place to start.
• Early Warning Systems: Get on board with California’s Earthquake Early Warning system.
  • Download the MyShake App. It can give you a few precious seconds of warning before the shaking starts.
  • Make sure your phone is set up to receive emergency alerts, including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).
  • Android phones are automatically subscribed to Android Earthquake Alerts.

When the Earth Shakes: Duck, Cover, and Hold On!

Okay, the ground’s moving. What do you do right now?

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: This is the golden rule.
  • Drop to your hands and knees.
  • Cover your head and neck under something sturdy, like a desk or table. If you can’t find anything, cover your face and head with your arms and huddle in an inside corner.
  • Hold On tight until the shaking stops.
• Stay Put: Seriously, just stay inside. Most injuries happen when people try to run around during the quake.
• If You’re Outside: Get away from buildings, power lines, and trees. Drop to the ground and protect your head and neck.
• Driving? Pull over in a safe, open spot. Set the parking brake and stay in the car.
• Avoid the Danger Zones: Stay away from windows, hanging stuff, mirrors, and anything tall that could fall over.

After the Shaking Stops: What Now?

The shaking’s over, but it’s not time to relax just yet.

• Aftershocks are a Thing: Be ready for more shaking. Aftershocks can be just as dangerous. Keep practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
• Check for Injuries: Help anyone who’s hurt.
• Look Around: Check for fires and other hazards. Put on some shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and debris.
• Utilities Check:
  • Only turn off the gas if you smell a leak or think something’s damaged. And if you do turn it off, let a pro turn it back on.
  • No candles or matches! They can start a fire.
  • If it’s safe, check your house for damage.
• Tune In: Grab a radio and listen for emergency updates.
• Communicate Wisely: Only use your cell phone for emergencies. Texting is better because it uses less bandwidth.
• Clean Up: Clean up any spills, especially medicine, chemicals, or anything flammable.
• Stay Out! Don’t go into damaged buildings until they’ve been checked by the pros.
• Conserve: Don’t drive unless you have to. Keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles.
• Be Ready to Move: The 1989 Loma Prieta quake displaced a lot of people. Be prepared to evacuate if you need to.

California’s Quake Zones

Not all of California is created equal when it comes to earthquakes. The California Geological Survey (CGS) has maps and tools to help you understand the risks in your area. Check them out! Major faults could affect a huge number of counties and cities. The Seismic Hazards Program can tell you about ground failure, soil liquefaction, landslides, and surface fault rupture.

Look, earthquakes are a part of life here. But by getting prepared, staying informed, and knowing what to do, you can protect yourself and your family. Stay safe out there!