Health + Fitness Lifestyle

How to Be Prepared for an Earthquake in Los Angeles

How to Be Prepared for an Earthquake in Los Angeles

With the California Office of Emergency Services issuing an earthquake advisory for parts of Southern California, Los Angeles residents are on high alert! The earthquake advisory is in effect for the following counties: Ventura, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, Kern and Imperial.

So I wanted to create a guide on how to be prepared if “the big one” does happen. Here are 7 ways to be prepared for an earthquake in Los Angeles.

Get your earthquake kit together

Experts suggest planning for seven days of food and supplies, just in case. Here’s a list of everything you need to put in your earthquake kit:

• Non-perishable food (prepackaged and/or canned) + pet food
• A gallon of water per person per day (add some more for each pet)
• Utensils, plates, cups, and can opener
• First aid kit
• Clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Portable radio and flashlight (plus batteries)
• Medications
• Extra set of house and car keys
• Toiletries
• Fire extinguisher
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Paper towels
• Knife or utility tool
• Candles and matches
• Small tool kit
• Cash

Make sure your car is ready

Try to keep your gas tank full or close to full for the next week, just in case you need to drive a long distance or if there isn’t any access to gasoline. Try to keep the following items in your car:

• More bottled water
• More non-perishable food
• Transistor radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Blanket or sleeping bags
• Small tool kit
• Matches and lighter
• Walking shoes and extra socks
• Extra change of clothes

Memorize (or write down) important phone numbers

Most of us don’t even remember phone numbers anymore because we are all so reliant on our phones. If we aren’t able to charge our phones, make sure that you memorize or write down important phone numbers.

Discuss a plan with your family members or friends

An earthquake can cause some chaos in the city and your family and loved ones may not all be in one place. Take the time to discuss a plan such as a meeting point if you are all separated.

Scope out your home and/or office

Identify places in your home and/or office where you can safely take cover. The best places for this would be under a sturdy piece of furniture, or you can stand against an interior wall. You can also “practice” what you’d do if an earthquake occurs, just like they do in schools.

Know what to do during an earthquake

If you’re indoors, do what you practiced and “drop, cover, and hold on!” If you are outdoors, stay in the open and stay clear of buildings and street lights. If you’re in a car, stop the car and stay remain in the vehicle. You should try not to stop near any buildings, trees, bridges, or structures.

Know what to do after an earthquake

Be aware of possible aftershocks! Also, check for any fire hazards and remain in open space. If you are trapped, see if you can call for help on your phone or make loud noises to get someone’s attention. Try to refrain from driving to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.

If you need any more information, here are some additional resources:

https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes
http://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Earthquakes/Pages/qh_earthquakes_what.aspx
http://caloes.ca.gov/cal-oes-divisions/earthquake-tsunami-volcano-programs/earthquake-about