Office of Communication

Earthquake Preparedness

California is known for the magnitude and frequency of its earthquakes. A powerful quake could strike at any moment. Even smaller quakes and aftershocks can cause serious damage and even injury or death, so it’s important to be prepared.

While the idea of an earthquake can be a bit daunting, being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing and practicing earthquake safety steps is key to reducing injury and staying safe. Plan ahead, prepare your homes and families and practice your safety drills regularly. For more information, visit our earthquake webpage.

Resources

Social Media Messaging

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	Suggested Message: California has a history of frequent and sometimes powerful earthquakes. Be prepared by using the free MyShake app which provides alerts and information on how to stay safe during an earthquake. Learn more: earthquake.ca.gov
	Suggested Message: If there’s an earthquake, stay calm and remember these simple steps to protect yourself: DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. HOLD ON until shaking stops. In an emergency, small steps can make a big difference. Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/What-to-do-during-an-Earthquake.aspx X: If there’s an earthquake, remember these simple steps: DROP in place onto your hands and knees. COVER your head and neck with one arm. HOLD ON until shaking stops. Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/What-to-do-during-an-Earthquake.aspx
	Suggested Message: After an earthquake, stay safe by: Make sure everyone is okay and check the condition of utilities like gas, water and electricity. 🔌💧 Stay away from places that are damaged. 🚧⚠️ Find resources at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Disaster-Assistance.aspx
	Suggested Message: The key to reducing your risk of injury in an earthquake is planning, preparing and practicing what you and your loved ones will do if it happens. 💥 Learn the signs: a rumbling sound that grows louder, a rolling sensation or a sudden jolt followed by shaking. 👇 Practice safety positions: drop, cover and hold on during your earthquake drill. 🧰 Create an emergency supply kit and prepare your home for earthquakes. Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/index.html X: Plan, prepare and practice what to do during an earthquake. 💥 Learn the signs: a rumbling sound, a rolling sensation or a sudden jolt followed by shaking. 👇 Practice safety positions: drop, cover and hold on. 🧰 Create an emergency supply kit. https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/index.html
	Suggested Message: In the event of an earthquake, having a well-prepared emergency supply kit can make all the difference. Here's what you need to include: 🧰🩹 Emergency Supplies: Pack a first aid kit as well as emergency food and water to last at least 3 days. 📑📂 Important Documents: Collect and securely store important documents such as medical records, birth certificates and passports. 🧯🧹Handy Items: Equip your home with supplies like a shovel or broom to clear debris, rope for towing or rescue, gloves for protection from glass, a fire extinguisher and a whistle for signaling. For more tips on how to stay prepared for an earthquake, visit https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/index.html X: Prep an emergency kit before an earthquake happens. Include: 🧰🩹 A first aid kit and a 3-day supply of food/water. 📑📂 Documents like medical records, birth certificates and passports. 🧯🧹A shovel/broom, rope, gloves, a fire extinguisher and a whistle. https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/index.html
	Suggested Message: After an earthquake, it's normal to feel strong emotions or stress. Here are easy ways to manage stress in a healthy way: 🥗💤 Take care of your self – eat healthy meals and get plenty of sleep. 💬🫂 Talk to others – share how you feel with a parent, friend or counselor. 📵 🧘🏻‍♀️ Take a break from the news – if news events are causing stress, take a break and unplug. If you’re still struggling, you can also call or text SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/teens/healthy-ways-to-deal-with-stress.html X: After an earthquake, it's normal to feel stressed. Manage stress in a healthy way: 🥗💤 Eat healthy meals and get plenty of sleep. 💬🫂 Share how you feel with a parent, friend or counselor. 📵 🧘🏻‍♀️ If the news is causing stress, take a break and unplug. https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/teens/healthy-ways-to-deal-with-stress.html
	Suggested Message: Earthquakes impact everyone differently. Preparedness means planning for the unique needs of: 👶 Children 👵 Older adults ♿ People with disabilities 🐾 Pets Build a kit that works for everyone in your household. Don’t forget to include: 💊 Medications 🦽 Mobility or medical devices 🧸 Comfort items 🐶 Pet supplies Learn how to prepare: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/What-to-do-during-an-Earthquake.aspx X: Preparedness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Kids, older adults, people with disabilities & pets all need special plans. Think medication, devices, comfort items & supplies. Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/What-to-do-during-an-Earthquake.aspx