Southern California is earthquake country!

• It has been more than 150 years since the last "Big One" in Southern California – a magnitude 7.9 earthquake that ruptured the San Andreas fault for over 220 miles between Central California and San Bernardino. The entire region shook strongly for up to three minutes!


• Large earthquakes on this section of the fault occur about every 150 years, so another may happen soon. Many scientists are even more concerned about the potential for a large earthquake on the southernmost section of the San Andreas, where an earthquake has not occurred since around 1680.


• Such an event could result in substantial damage in San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial Counties. Strong shaking will be felt and likely also cause damage throughout much of Southern California, including densely populated areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego Counties.


• Hundreds of other faults run through and beneath Southern California, which can also cause damaging earthquakes even before the next major San Andreas earthquake.

• Everywhere in Southern California can experience strong earthquakes, causing major property damage to people's homes and contents. This damage can result in serious injuries or even death for occupants.


• Over half of the injuries during the 1994 Northridge earthquake were caused by falling furniture or objects. Only one percent of injuries were caused by building damage. Other injuries were due to people falling or behaving dangerously.


• While no one can control how an earthquake will shake them, Southern Californians can change how it may harm them by acting now to secure their home, workplace, and belongings before the next earthquake hits. In addition, have a disaster plan and supplies kits, and know what to do during and after. All these actions are part of the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, listed below.

2. Create a disaster plan – Plan now what each person in your household will do before, during and after an earthquake. Have a meeting place and an out-of-state contact. Learn basic first aid. Plan how to deal with the risk of fire, potential lack of utilities and basic services, and aftershocks.

3. Create disaster supplies kits – Everyone should have personal disaster supplies kits, which are useful for many emergencies. Keep one kit in your home, another in your car, and a third at work. Your home should have a larger household kit with supplies to last three days to one week. Visit www.earthquakecountry.info for a complete list of supplies you should include.

4. Identify and fix your building's weaknesses – There are several common issues that can limit a building's ability to withstand earthquake shaking, such as inadequate foundations, unbraced cripple walls, soft first stories and unreinforced masonry. Learn how to recognize and correct these problems by visiting www.daretoprepare.org.

5. During an earthquake: Drop, cover and hold on – Drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. If no table is nearby, drop to the floor near an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your hands. Face away from windows or mirrors. Do not try to leave a building during an earthquake.

6. After the earthquake: Check for injuries and damage – Remain calm and take care of yourself first. If possible, help others and check for damage. Learn in advance what to do about leaking gas, electrical dangers, and chemical spills at www.earthquakecountry.info. Aftershocks may cause additional damage so be ready to drop, cover, and hold on.

7. When safe, continue to follow your disaster plan – When possible, take your disaster supplies kit and get to a safe location if you cannot stay in your home. Listen to a portable radio for news, and call your out-of-state contact. Begin your recovery by organizing your financial papers and documenting any damage.

About the Dare to Prepare Campaign

Dare to Prepare brings the Southern California community together to "talk about our faults" so we can be ready before future earthquakes. Visit www.daretoprepare.org to learn more. The campaign is organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance, a partnership of earthquake professionals, emergency managers, elected officials, business and community leaders, and others.