By Voice & Viewpoint Staff
The age old myth of standing in the doorframe when an Earthquake happens has been busted by the California Office of Emergency Services. A virtual earthquake guidance seminar entitled “Statewide Ethnic Media Briefing: Drop, Cover, & Hold On, California!” occurred earlier this month. Key earthquake science elements were covered, including an overview and update of Califfornia’s first-in-the-nation Earthquake Early Warning System.
Jose Lara, Chief of Seismic Hazards at California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) stated, “Modern building codes and construction have significantly improved the structural integrity of all parts of buildings, meaning that doorways are no stronger than other areas inside the structure. You are safer under a table.”
According to the United States Geological Survey, within the next 30 years there is a 60% chance of a 6.7 magnitude earthquake hitting the Los Angeles region, and a 72% chance of a 6.7 magnitude earthquake hitting the San Francisco Bay region.
Experts in earthquake science, preparedness, and mitigation worked together to develop a step-by-step guide to stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake:
- Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
- Plan to be safe by creating your emergency plan and deciding how you will communicate.
- Organize emergency supplies in convenient locations.
- Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance coverage.
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On or other recommended actions (if you feel shaking or get an alert).
- Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.
- Reconnect and Restore daily life by reuniting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.
Rescuers and experts now recommend, Drop, Cover, and Hold On, namely under a table. These three words will remind you to drop before the earthquake drops you, will reduce danger from falling or flying objects, and will give you the best chance of quickly protecting yourself.
Since the launch of the Earthquake Early Warning System in 2019, the system designed to give residents warnings, seconds before shaking begins, has now become more accurate in its reporting and is able to deliver alerts faster through the MyShake App.
The app also allows you to select a zip code areas of where you want to be alerted, removing the need for location tracking, allowing you to enter zip codes of family for more preparedness information, disaster ready guides, and more info on past earthquakes and hazards to prevent further damage in the wake of another natural disaster.
For more info on resources and earthquake preparedness, visit listoscalifornia.org/resources/.
