Prepare For More Quakes With ReadySanDiego Site
Do you know what to do in an earthquake? Sunday’s Imperial County earthquake swarm, some of which were felt in San Diego County, are reminders for residents to take steps to prepare their homes and families for a potential earthquake here.
Residents of San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties should be ready for more shaking following the magnitude 5.5 earthquake swarm centered in Brawley, according to the California Emergency Management Agency.
California Geological Survey scientists worked with the state’s Emergency Management Agency to advise them of the potential for continued seismic activity for the next 24 hours. The shaking could be new earthquakes as large as or greater than 5.5 magnitude or additional aftershocks, and can be damaging in Brawley and Imperial County.
In San Diego County, wildfires and earthquakes are potential hazards with the overdue San Andreas Fault located just outside the County.
Learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake, by visiting www.ReadySanDiego.org. Download a free template for a family disaster plan and create a home emergency kit. Some of those tips are included below.
Before:
- Check home for potential hazards – things that can topple over and cause injury.
- Secure televisions, bookshelves and other heavy furniture to the wall.
- Use special hooks to secure photos and art to walls.
- Plan and rehearse with your family where you can seek cover during shaking in each room of your home.
During:
- Drop, Cover and Hold On. Get down low to avoid falling, find a sturdy desk or table to seek cover under and hold onto it while covering your head with your other arm.
- If there are no tables, find an interior wall that is not near any heavy furniture or near glass picture frames, windows or under light fixtures, scoot down and cover your head.
- If outside, find an open area away from buildings, trees, or overhead utility wires, sit down and cover your head.
After:
- Check your home for potential hazards.
- If you smell gas, turn it off at the valve.
San Diego County residents can visit www.sdcountyemergency.com following a locally based earthquake for updates on damage, if any, and emergency instructions, if any.