On August 12, 2024, a moderate 4.4 magnitude midday earthquake rattled windows, shelves, and nerves in LA's densely populated eastside. It was reportedly felt all over the City and much of the County. Less than a week before (on August 6) a slightly larger 5.3 quake near Bakersfield was also felt in LA, as far south as San Diego, and east to Las Vegas. Those both set off advance U.S. Geological Service ShakeAlert warnings here.
In between (August 8, local time) a 7.1, major quake in southern Japan triggered a tsunami advisory and reports of many minor injuries.
Smaller aftershocks followed in all three instances, helping to jog many SoCal residents' memories that we DO live in earthquake country, and there are actions we should take to prepare, TODAY!
First, WATCH & SHARE LA CityView 35’s short video on earthquake preparedness
NOW, take the time now to practice what to do when earthquake shaking starts: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. If you are in bed, stay in bed and put a pillow over your head. To learn what to do in other locations, such as in a car or in a theater, visit the Earthquake Country Alliance website.
Next, prepare your household for an earthquake or other disaster. Start by signing up for mobile MyShake earthquake alerts from ShakeAlert as well as more general and very-local emergency alerts from NotifyLA.
Then create a disaster plan and kit for your household and learn about training opportunities here in Los Angeles.
- Make a Plan
Create a disaster plan for your family so that you know what you will do and how you will communicate in an emergency. Your plan should include family members with disabilities, children, and pets. Pick two places to meet: right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire; and, outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
Ask a friend or family member who lives in a different state to be your "out-of-state contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. To keep track of your loved ones after an earthquake, everyone can reach out to that out-of-state contact via a phone call or text and tell that contact their location and status.
Make a Kit
Create a disaster kit for your household (or office and also for your car) with water, food, first aid and other supplies, and equipment you might need. Keep in mind any special items that are needed for older adults, children, other vulnerable family members, and even your pets. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. If you have gathered supplies in advance, your family can be ready to shelter in place, even if utilities are down. Tips on making a plan and gathering supplies can be found at LA City Emergency Management’s Family Readiness webpage.
- Prepare With Your Neighborhood
You can also help strengthen your neighborhood's ability to respond. Sign up for a “Ready Your LA Neighborhood” (RYLAN) workshop to learn how to organize your neighborhood to help each other after a major disaster like an earthquake. This is a free program available for City of LA residents. Learn more about RYLAN and sign up for a workshop.
The more that people take these actions, the better you, your neighborhood, and the city as a whole will be prepared and safe during a major disaster. Now that you've seen these preparedness tips, stay up-to-date on the latest developments through @ReadyLA social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and/or Threads.