What to do When the Ground Starts Shaking

● In a Car:
○ Avoid overpasses, underpasses, and trees if possible
○ Pull over and put your parking brakes on
● In Bed:
○ Face down into your bed
○ Cover your head and neck area with a pillow
● Outdoors:
○ Do not run
○ Stay away from buildings and other large hazards
○ If you must move, crawl
● Indoors:
○ Get under something sturdy, a desk, chair, or table
○ Do not get into a doorway
○ Hold onto the item and cover your head
● If you are Handicapped, lock your wheelchair/ walker, hold onto something sturdy,
cover your head and neck
● Wait until the shaking has stopped
● Evacuate any dangerous situations, be cautious of debri and weak structures

CONQUER CALIFORNIA QUAKES

ELIZA MATA’S GUIDE TO :

WHAT TO DO IN AN EARTHQUAKE
Introduction
Earthquakes have been a part of California since the formation of the Pacific plates. The

San Andreas Fault system runs along California, spanning about 800 miles, and going as

deep as 16 miles in some areas. Because of this, earthquakes are common in California,

and sometimes severe. Within 30 years, the probability of another large earthquake hitting

the San Andreas fault is not only likely, but practically guaranteed. It is important for all of

California to prepare themselves for the worst-case scenario in order to not only survive

the earthquake but to recover from it.

Planning Ahead
The best thing to do for an earthquake is to plan for it. There are many steps that can be
taken in order to increase the chances of having a better recovery.

● Have an early warning system:

○ The app ShakeAlert LA is available for free on mobile devices

● Discuss a meetup place with your family

● Have an evacuation route for places you frequent (ie. Job, school, home, etc..)

● Consider Special needs like children, elderly, and pets

● Set aside supplies like non-perishable food and water, $40-$60 in cash, shoes next

to your bed, etc..

● Have a contact out of state as a means of communication

○ Cellular services may not work, leaving a message to someone out of state

could be the best way to know the status of your family

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Following Your Plan

● Once you are safe, follow the plan you made with your family

● Go to the meetup place that you discussed

● Contact family members

● treat injuries

● Check your gas and water lines, if you think they are leaking turn them off

● Listen to the radio for updates on the emergency

● If your home is not safe to stay in, go to a trusted family member or friend
○ If not, call 311 for shelter locations or other non emergency information

Stay Safe Earthquake Conquerors! :)

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Important Notes:

It is not safe to run during an Earthquake because you will put yourself at risk for rolling an

ankle or worse breaking a leg.

Doorways are not as safe as a desk or chair, they are as strong as the building, which could

give during an earthquake.

After the initial shake, expect more aftershocks to occur. Although they may not be as

powerful, with the initial damage, they could cause more harm.

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In the state of California, fires are common and are more likely to occur after an

earthquake. So be cautious if you are in an area that experiences frequent fires.