So what can you do to prepare for the next big California quake? Keep reading for tips on how you can prepare for an earthquake, as well as what you can do during and after an earthquake, to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. Are You Prepared For the Next Big
California Quake?

2. It has been 20 years since California residents have
experienced a major earthquake, a 6.7 magnitude temblor
that rattled Northridge awake, killing 57. But after La Habra’s
recent 5.1 earthquake, and its hundred plus aftershocks, many
people have earthquake preparedness on their to-do list.

3. So what can you do to prepare for the
next big California quake? Keep reading
for tips on how you can prepare for an
earthquake, as well as what you can do
during and after an earthquake, to
protect yourself and your loved ones.

4. Before an Earthquake
First, officials recommend that you
review your insurance policy at least
once a year with your agent. Be aware
of exactly what your homeowners
insurance or renter’s insurance covers
in a disaster. The California
Department of Insurance warns that
most homeowners’ and renters’
insurance don’t cover any damage
caused by earthquakes.

5. Before an Earthquake
It is also a good idea to review
your car insurance policy and be
familiar with the damages your
policy covers. Does your policy
cover your car in case it’s damaged
in an earthquake or any other
natural disaster? Prepare
financially by knowing exactly what
coverage your insurance policies
cover.

6. • Bolt bookcases, china cabinets or any other shelves or tall
furniture to the wall.
• Place any large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall
studs.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors away from
beds, couches or anywhere else where people might
sleep or sit.
Before an Earthquake
Prepare your homePrepare your home

7. • Brace overhead light fixtures and top-
heavy objects.
• Repair any defective electrical wiring or
leaky gas connections. These are
potential fire risks. Make sure to seek
professional help when doing so.
• Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or
water leaks, since flexible fittings are
more resistant to breakage.
Before an Earthquake
Prepare your homePrepare your home

8. • Store pesticides, weed killers and
any flammable products securely in
closed cabinets with latches, and on
bottom shelves.
• Install child-proof latches on your
cupboards so they don’t fly open
during an earthquake.
• Always have an emergency kit ready
in an easy-to-access location.
Before an Earthquake
Prepare your homePrepare your home

9. Get together with your family
and locate safe spots in each
room. Talk to them about what
to do in case of an earthquake
and hold earthquake drills with
all family members.
Before an Earthquake
PreparePrepare with your Familywith your Family

10. It is also important to realize that
you may not be with your family
when a disaster strikes, so plan
on how you will contact one
another. Identify a contact such
as a friend or relative who lives
out-of-state for household
members to notify that they are
safe. In case of a big disaster, it
may be easier to make a call out
of state, than it is to call across
town.
Before an Earthquake
PreparePrepare with your Familywith your Family

11. • Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of
furniture and hold until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a desk
near you, cover your face and head with your arms and
crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, and anything that could fall
(furniture, lighting fixtures, heavy furniture, etc.).
• If you are in bed when an earthquake strikes, stay in bed,
unless your bed is under a heavy light fixture that could fall.
During an Earthquake
If you are indoorsIf you are indoors

12. • Do not run outside during an
earthquake. Wait until the shaking
stops and it is safe. Research has
shown that most injuries happen
when people inside buildings
attempt to leave the building
during a quake.
• Don’t use elevators.
During an Earthquake
If you are indoorsIf you are indoors

13. • Stay outside, in the open if possible,
until the shaking stops.
• Move away from any buildings, utility
wires, and streetlights.
• If you’re in a car, you should stop as
quickly as possible and stay inside the
car. Stay away from buildings, poles,
trees or any overpasses. Once the
shaking has stopped, avoid roads,
bridges or ramps that may have been
damaged by the earthquake.
During an Earthquake
If you are outdoorsIf you are outdoors

14. Once the shaking has stopped,
make sure it’s safe before you
move out of a building. Be
cautious and expect aftershocks.
Help any injured or trapped
persons and give first aid when
appropriate. If a person is
seriously injured, do not move
them unless they are in
immediate danger of further
injury, and call for help.
After an Earthquake

15. • Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest
emergency information.
• Be aware of any possible tsunamis.
• Watch for fires; the most common hazard after an
earthquake. Look for and extinguish small fires.
• Stay away from damaged areas.
• Inspect utilities: check for gas leaks, look for electrical system
damage, sewage and water lines damage.
• Open any cabinets cautiously and be aware of objects that
can fall off the shelves.
After an Earthquake

16. If your home has been damaged and is no longer safe,
go to a designated public shelter. Text SHELTER + your
ZIP code to 43362 (FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in
your area.