3 steps Californians should take to prepare for big earthquake

On April 18, 1906, a violent earthquake stuck San Francisco, collapsing structures and rupturing water and gas lines. The quake, which lasted up to 60 seconds, resulted in the deaths of more than 700 people. More than a century later, California commemorates this historic event during April’s Earthquake Awareness Month.

Thankfully, an increasing body of research is enabling experts and authorities to better understand earthquakes. A recent analysis of near-term changes along earthquake faults in California suggests there is an increased possibility of a major quake on the San Andreas fault line. Though researchers say a major earthquake remains unlikely — roughly 1.15% in the next 12 months — the new estimate is triple what was initially predicted (0.35%). The data is clear: Earthquakes are a real risk that Californians cannot afford to ignore.

We at the Red Cross encourage Californians to be prepared.

• Download the MyShake app. In October 2019, on the 30th anniversary of the deadly Loma Prieta earthquake, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the nation’s first statewide earthquake warning system, which provides earthquake alerts through a no-cost smartphone application, the “MyShake” app.

Using data from seismic sensors throughout California, MyShake sends alerts to nearby app users as soon as shaking reaches magnitude 4.5 or higher, providing up to a minute of time for them to find cover under a sturdy object, drop and cover their heads, and hold on until the ground stops shaking. In 2020, Google announced that it would be building the same technology used to power the MyShake app into Android phones to help provide alerts to an even wider audience of Californians. Californians should download this app.

• Get familiar with Wireless Emergency Alerts. These alerts send geographically targeted, text-like messages to mobile devices to alert users of imminent threats in their area. Authorized national, state or local authorities can send WEA notifications for incidents such as Amber Alerts, severe weather warnings or earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 5.0.

• Don’t get caught off guard. According to a survey conducted by Listos California, only 36% of Californians feel prepared for a natural disaster. Perhaps more troubling, 74% are aware of the need to prepare for an earthquake but have not done so.

In order to educate Californians about earthquakes, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Cal OES, recently launched a campaign to educate Californians about its earthquake warning system, Earthquake Ready California. The campaign, “Don’t Get Caught Off Guard,” encourages Californians to get familiar with technology and information that can help them stay safe in an earthquake.

In advance of an earthquake alert, Californians should have a plan in place for what to do in an earthquake, whether at home, in the workplace, on the road or out for a walk. For those in a business setting, review earthquake emergency policies and determine which protocols to follow in the event of an alert, such as powering down machinery, putting equipment into safety mode or slowing transit down to a standstill.

The Red Cross supports Cal OES efforts to make information available statewide, and word of mouth is the best way to get the message out. Sample social media posts and newsletter content is available to take and tailor on the newly redesigned Earthquake Ready California website, earthquake.ca.gov.

With a preparedness mindset, we can help make sure the next earthquake does not catch us, our families or our friends off guard.