Moderate-to-large New Year's Eve (2022) earthquakes -- south of San Jose and north of San Diego (the latter even felt by some Angelenos) -- jogged many City residents' memories that we DO live in earthquake country, and there are actions we should take to prepare today.
First, 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 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 message and tell the Out-Of-State contact their location and status.
-
Make a Kit
Create a disaster kit for your household with water, food, first aid and other supplies and equipment you might need. Keep in mind any special items that are needed for older adult family members, children, 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 the Emergency Management Department’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”, or RYLAN Workshop, and you will 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 more that you, your neighborhood and the city as a whole will be prepared and safe during a major earthquake. Now that you've seen these preparedness tips, stay up-to-date on the latest development through social media: Twitter or Facebook: (@ReadyLA).
Learn more about all of these resources at the Emergency Management Department website.