Los Angeles is earthquake country. Southern California is crossed by hundreds of active faults capable of producing earthquakes that could seriously impact our homes, schools, transportation, utilities, communications, and emergency services.
No one can predict exactly when the next major earthquake will strike. But it has been more than 30 years since the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and Southern California faces an ongoing threat from a significant earthquake. The next one could happen without warning.
When it does, roads may be damaged, utilities and communications disrupted, and first responders overwhelmed by thousands of simultaneous emergencies. For hours—or even days—families and neighborhoods may need to rely on their own preparation.
MySafe:LA helps Angelenos prepare for what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. We teach people how to secure hazards, create emergency plans, maintain disaster supplies, Drop, Cover, and Hold On, and recognize important post-earthquake hazards. Our realistic school exercises also help students and educators understand what a significant earthquake could mean during the school day.
The next earthquake won’t make an appointment. Prepare now, practice what you’ll do, and be ready.
Have we mentioned that we love our kids? They’re amazing. MySafe:LA teaches elementary school students about the science and the risks related to earthquakes. Why do earthquakes happen? How do you prepare before an earthquake? What do you do during an earthquake? And how do you safely recover after an earthquake? These are all good questions – and MySafe:LA’s 4th and 5th grade students take the answers home to their families.
We also like to practice. That means live emergency drills! That’s right – MySafe:LA produces realistic earthquake drills that include a school, teachers, students, and parents. We bring firefighters and other first responders together to help everyone learn what to do when the ground begins to shake – and ensure that everyone takes steps to be safe.
While the ground shaking beneath our feet is what immediately frightens us, it’s what happens afterwards that is often so deadly. In many cases where a major earthquake strikes, it isn’t the quake itself that is so destructive, it’s the fires that follow the shaking.
Nobody like to think about disasters. It's one reason why so many people are unprepared. Totally unprepared. Making a kit can be fun and could include the entire family. Having a "disaster" kit will come in handy when the earth next starts to shake.
