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Be Prepared in Wake of Recent Quakes
By Anonymous — Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
Cal EMA and California Seismic Safety Commission Remind Californians to Be Prepared in Wake of Recent Quakes
Officials provide links to easy steps to build a preparedness kit and watch how-to videos SACRAMENTO, CA - After a recent string of moderate earthquakes that shook up parts of the Bay Area and Northern California, the California Seismic Safety Commission (CSSC) and California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) have teamed up to remind everyone that now is a good time to refresh home emergency kits, and focus on the need to take simple steps to prepare yourself, your family and pets for the next quake. One of the most recent quakes rattled nerves late Wednesday night about 23 miles north east of Truckee, California. The 4.7 magnitude temblor did little damage, but residents in seven counties reported feeling the earth shake around 11:37 pm. And, last week's 3.9 magnitude quake near Berkeley was yet another wake-up call to all Californians that earthquakes can occur at any place and any time. Experts warn that if you don't take steps to prepare in advance, the consequences could be disastrous. Once the ground stops shaking and you're safe to get up from the "drop, cover and hold on" position, experts say your next steps are critical. "Sometimes evacuations are necessary after earthquakes. Making a list of necessities that can be retrieved in a matter of minutes, can prove very useful," said Richard McCarthy, Executive Director for California's Seismic Safety Commission. Mike Dayton, Acting Secretary of Cal EMA says it's also important to have family plans in place and know what you will do for the first 72 hours after a major quake. "It's just a matter of time before California gets hit by another major earthquake," said Dayton. "When the big one hits, it's likely you'll need to be on your own without power, water and other conveniences, so take some easy steps now to get prepared," he said. In another effort to boost personal preparedness, Cal EMA and CSSC have partnered with the California Earthquake Authority to launch the "Totally Unprepared" earthquake readiness campaign. Through weekly videos and online resources, the public is encouraged to take simple steps to get on the path to preparedness. They're entertaining and short videos that anyone can watch and learn. There are lots of resources available to help you get prepared. Check out the following websites to learn more. www.seismic.ca.gov |
