April is National Earthquake Preparedness Month

April has been declared Earthquake Preparedness Month in California, and for good reason. As a state situated along the seismically active Ring of Fire, earthquakes are a real risk. In fact, statistics show there is a 99.7% chance that a magnitude 6.7 or larger quake will hit California within the next 30 years. With risks this high, it is crucial that residents take steps now to prepare themselves and their homes.

There are several important precautions you can take this month to get ready. Download the MyShake App to receive critical early earthquake warnings. Also sign up to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts by text. You’ll want to know shaking is coming as soon as possible to Drop, Cover and Hold On. Take inventory of your home as well, securing furniture, appliances, home fuel systems and more to prevent damage and hazards should a major tremor hit.

Make an Emergency Plan

One of the most important parts of Earthquake Preparedness Month is creating a customized emergency plan for your household. Sit down with your family and discuss where you will meet if home is unsafe, as well as creating contact lists. Be sure to also assemble disaster supplies kits with two weeks’ worth of food, water, medications and more. You never know how long it may take for help to arrive after a large earthquake.

As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. Use Earthquake Preparedness Month to get ready now, so you and your loved ones can face what comes next with greater confidence and preparedness. Our state faces constant seismic risks, so take action this April to ensure you are as prepared as possible for the next big one. Your safety could depend on it.