Why Prepare Now?

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"You can't control how the earthquake will shake you."

"But you can act now, and control how it will harm you."

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Act now—and secure your space.

2007 is the 150^th anniversary of 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 was shaken strongly for up to three minutes!

At the time, the population of Los Angeles was about 4,000. Today, Southern California is home to 23 million people, and the fastest growing areas are near the San Andreas and other major faults.

Show Movie (25.5 MB)Simulated earthquake along the San Andreas fault.

Large earthquakes on the section of the fault that moved in 1857 occur about every 150 years, so another may happen soon. However, many scientists are even more concerned about the potential for a large earthquake on the southernmost section of the San Andreas, from the Salton Sea through the Coachella Valley to San Bernardino, where an earthquake has not occurred since around 1680.

This earthquake will likely happen in our lifetimes, and could potentially happen today. 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.

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

There will be major loss of life and property in these earthquakes unless we each take action now to be ready, by securing our buildings and their contents. Unfortunately, preparing for moderate earthquakes such as Northridge, does not prepare us for the scale of catastrophe we face with a San Andreas earthquake. So we must do more.

Show Movie (6.6 MB)Community Fault Model

While no one can control how an earthquake will shake them, Southern Californians can control how it may harm them by acting now to secure their home, workplace, and belongings before the next earthquake hits. See below for instructions. 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, from Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country

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"You can't control how the earthquake will shake you."

"But you can act now, and control how it will harm you."

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According to a study from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), 55% 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. Many of these injuries could have been prevented through actions taken before the earthquake.

Identify Potential Hazards in Your Home and Begin to Fix Them

Home Hazards:	Tall or Top Heavy Furniture and Bookcases Shelves, Shelf Contents, and Shelf Support TV's, Stereos, and Electronics Wall Hangings and Pictures Computers and Copy/Fax machines File Cabinets Lamps and Tabletop items Decorative Items and Breakables Refrigerator Kitchen cabinets and appliances Garage shelving and toxic paints/gas Water Heater Gas Appliances and Shutoff Valves Windows and Glass
Workplace Hazards:	File Cabinets and Wall Units Computers and Copy and Fax Machines TV's, and stereo/DVD electronics Pictures on walls Employee Kitchen area with Refrigerators/Microwaves Miscellaneous Equipment, Lockers, & Shelving Gas Appliances, Water Heater Locations of paints and toxic chemicals Windows and Glass

Identify Your Building's Weaknesses and Begin to Fix Them

Building Hazards:

Inadequate Foundations Unbraced Cripple Walls Soft First Stories Unreinforced Masonry For Renters