Guest column: Four important ways you can prepare for earthquakes in 2024
No one knows exactly what 2024 will bring, but we all know that Southern California is earthquake country and that the next quake could strike at any time. Did you know that California has more than 500 active faults and that most Californians live within 30 miles of an active fault?
Of course, the famous San Andreas fault, the longest in California, passes right through Los Angeles County. In 1994, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Northridge killed 58 people, injured more than 9,000, and caused more than $49 billion in damage and loss. In 2019 two powerful quakes struck Ridgecrest in two days, magnitudes 6.4 and 7.1. And scientists warned, as far back as 2015, that there is a 75% chance of a 7.0 or greater quake hitting Southern California within a 30-year period.
So, as we step into the New Year, one of the most important resolutions you can make if you live in and around Ventra County is to help protect your family and yourself from preventable earthquake damage.
Here are four things you can do in 2024.
Get organized with an emergency safety kit: Create an easy-to-reach emergency kit with essentials for each family member — and your pets! The American Red Cross recommends a three-day supply of food and water, along with items such as medications, a cell phone charger, flashlights, a first aid kit, and a whistle for signaling help. These emergency supplies can make a big difference after an earthquake or other emergency.
Strengthen your house: Take time to learn about your home and understand its unique structural risks. Many older homes in and around Ventura County — especially those built before 1980s — are at risk of earthquake damage because of outdated building codes.
And did you know that many homeowners may be eligible for the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant program? EBB offers up to $3,000 to qualifying homeowners to help them strengthen their homes with a seismic retrofit. The program has helped more than 23,000 California homeowners strengthen their homes and help protect their families from earthquake damage. Registration for EBB opens Jan. 10. Visit EarthquakeBraceAndBolt.com to learn more.
Different house styles may need different safety measures. Raised foundation homes, living space over garage homes, post and pier homes, hillside homes, and mobile/manufactured homes are all common types of houses throughout Southern California, and each has unique vulnerabilities. Visit StrengthenYourHouse.com to learn more about your home type and the specific retrofit you might need.
Create an emergency plan: Communication is key during emergencies, especially because some family members may not be at home during an earthquake. Text messages may work better than phone calls during and after seismic events, so make sure everyone has emergency contact information saved on their phone or memorized. Practice your preparedness plan and keep copies in easy-to-reach locations. And make sure all family members know where the emergency supplies are kept.
Secure your home: Look around your home and identify anything that could be a risk if the ground starts to shake. During an earthquake, heavy furniture can topple over if it’s not anchored and secured to studs. Move large, heavy items away from doors. Install flexible connections for gas lines and appliances to reduce fire risk. Brace overhead fixtures that could come crashing down and move beds away from windows. A lot of earthquake injuries are caused by household items and furniture falling and hitting people.
It is not a matter of if, but when the next big quake will strike Southern California. Make earthquake preparedness a priority this New Year. And rest easier knowing you’ve taken concrete steps to protect your home and family for many New Years to come.
Glenn Pomeroy is the CEO of California Earthquake Authority (CEA), which helps Californians prepare for and recover from damaging earthquakes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Guest column: 4 important ways you can prepare for earthquakes in 2024
