How to Prepare for the Next "Big One"

USGS Earthquke Hazard Map
Courtesy of USGS

In 2009 the US Geological Survey created earthquake hazard maps to identify earthquake hazards throughout the entire United States. Shown here is the probability of high ground movement in Southern California. As you can see, the possibility of high ground shaking in Southern California is quite high, especially along the San Andreas Fault.

If you do not live in Southern California and you would like to find the earthquake hazard in your area, visit: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/?source=sitenav

Before the Big One

Fortunately, the building codes in California are strict, and there is a very low chance that your home, school (After the Long Beach Earthquake strict building codes for schools were created), or office, will collapse in the event of a major earthquake. In Japan during the magnitude 9.0 Tohoku Earthquake, few buildings collapsed, and most damage was sustained through the tsunami. Luckily in Southern California, there are no Subduction Zones off the coast (like in the Pacific Northwest), so a tsunami of that magnitude is very unlikely.

Create an earthquake kit that has enough food and water for your family for at least three days, along with a fire extinguisher, a battery powered radio, a flashlight with batteries, and a first aid kit. Make sure you have your important medications(if needed), and pet food (if you have a pet). Make an emergency plan with your family to figure out how you will meet up after a large earthquake. Protect your belongings. Fasten shelves to walls, and secure heavy objects such as TVs, computers, and water heaters. There is a great document that highlights earthquake preparedness in the home titled Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.

Although the chance of building collapse is small, it is still important to retrofit unreinforced masonry and old concrete buildings, and to bolt your house down to its foundation. Such projects are worth it in the long run.

For more information go to: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/prepare/?source=sitenav

During and After the Big One

If you are indoors during an earthquake, immediately Drop, Cover, and Hold on, if you are near a sturdy table. If you are near a sturdy, supported doorway (not a weak unsupported doorway) stand in it. Otherwise, crouch near an inside wall, away from windows, or objects that can fall on you. Cover your head and neck, and do not move until the shaking stops.

Most earthquake related injuries and deaths are related to falling debris, so it is important not to run outside of a building where dangerous building facades can collapse on you.

If you are outdoors, stay there. Try to move into the open, away from telephone poles, trees, or buildings. Crouch to the ground, and wait for the shaking to subside.

If you are in a car and you feel an earthquake, turn on your hazard lights, and carefully pull over to the side of the road. Try to stay away from bridges, overpasses, and large signs that can fall on you.

After the earthquake, if you smell gas, turn off the gas supply to your house. If you do not smell any gas, you do not need to turn off the gas supply to your house.

The Great California Shakeout

In preparation for the next large earthquake, visit: http://www.shakeout.org/california/ to participate in the next "Great California Shakeout".

Information retrieved from:
 https://geohazards.usgs.gov/eqprob/2009/index.php
 http://earthquake.usgs.gov/prepare/?source=sitenav
http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/
http://www.shakeout.org/california/