Earthquakes in Our Area

Damage inside a liquor store (File Photo – Joe tiessan)

The magnitude 4.7 earthquake just north of Malibu on Sept. 12, and several aftershocks, added to what scientists have characterized as an unusually active year for moderate earthquakes in Southern California.

By News Desk

The Malibu earthquake marks the 14th noted seismic event this year in Southern California, coming only one month after a magnitude 4.4 earthquake rattled Los Angeles on August 12.

The August 12th earthquake, centered about 1,100 feet southwest of the intersection of Huntington Drive and Eastern Avenue in the Eastside neighborhood of El Sereno, occurred in the same general area as a pair of earthquakes in early June — a magnitude 3.4 on June 2 and a magnitude 2.8 on June 4. There was also a magnitude 2.9 earthquake in the same area on June 24.

What can you do to be prepared for an earthquake?

There are four basic steps you can take to be more prepared for an earthquake as recommended by the Earthquake Country Alliance:

• Step 1:
  Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
• Step 2:
  Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
• Step 3:
  Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
• Step 4:
  Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

Emergency supplies

Gather food, water, and medicine as stores and pharmacies might be closed. The Red Cross advises organizing supplies into a Go-Kit, Stay-at-Home-Kit, and a Bed-Kit:
– Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)

– Stay-at-Home Kit: at least 2 weeks of supplies.

– Bed-Kit: a bag of supplies attached to your bed. Include items you will need if an earthquake happens while you are sleeping. Store sturdy shoes to protect your feet from glass, one of the most common earthquake injuries. Also include a flashlight, glasses, a dust mask, and a whistle.

Also:

– Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container, and other needed medical supplies or equipment.

– Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.

What Do You Include In A Survival Kit?

At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:

1. Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
2. Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
3. Flashlight
4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
5. Extra batteries
6. First aid kit
7. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
8. Multi-purpose tool
9. Sanitation and personal hygiene items
10. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
11. Cell phone with chargers
12. Family and emergency contact information
13. Extra cash
14. Emergency blanket
15. Map(s) of the area