Earthquake Safety
Earthquakes can occur anytime, anywhere in California which means all Californians live with the risk of experiencing an earthquake. Most earthquakes are small, and their impact is negligible; however, our region is at risk for large damaging earthquakes that can affect widespread areas and trigger secondary effects. In addition to ground-shaking, an earthquake may trigger surface-fault ruptures, landslides, and tsunamis which can cause urban fires, dam failures, severed utility services, and blocked transportation corridors.
Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Drop: Wherever you are, drop onto your hands and knees. This position helps keep you from being knocked down, and allows you to crawl to shelter.
- Cover: With one arm and hand, cover your head and neck. If there is a nearby desk or table, crawl under it for shelter. If there's no shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows.
- Hold On: If you're under shelter, hold on to it with one hand. If there's no shelter to your head and neck with both arms and hands.
Prepare Your Home
- Secure tall, heavy furniture that could fall over.
- Secure stoves and appliances that could move enough to rupture gas or electrical lines. Utilize flexible gas lines for appliances.
- Remove decorative items from above sleeping areas.
- Install latches or other locking devices on cabinets.
- Locate and label gas, electricity and water shutoffs.
After an Earthquake
- Inspect your home for structural damage like cracks in the foundation or missing support beams. Check gas, electrical, and water lines for damage. If you smell gas or see a broken line, shut off the main valve from the outside.
- Outside your home, do not enter any damaged buildings. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid any rubble or debris.
- Watch out for fallen power lines that may be hanging overhead. Stay clear of fallen power lines.