Earthquake Preparedness & Facts PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 21 January 2010 07:17

Information referenced from ReadySanDiego.org -Visit their web site for more information

7 Steps to Earthquake Safety

  1. earthquake-map

    Fix potential hazards
  2. Create a disaster plan
  3. Create a disaster supplies kit
  4. Fix your building's potential weaknesses
  5. During earthquakes and aftershocks: Drop, Cover, and Hold On
  6. After the earthquake, check for injuries and damage
  7. When safe, continue to follow your disaster plan

Earthquake Facts and Preparedness

Every year approximately 500 earthquakes occur in the state of California that are large enough to be felt. San Diego County, in comparison to other southern California areas, has sparse seismicity. However, since 1984, earthquake activity in San Diego County has doubled over that of the preceding 50 years.

Ongoing field and laboratory studies suggest the largest credible earthquake predicted for the coastal and metropolitan areas is a M7.2 on the Rose Canyon Fault and a M7.6 from either the Elsinore Fault or the San Jacinto Fault in the north and east county areas. In addition, studies suggest the following maximum likely magnitudes for local faults: La Nacion (M6.2 to 6.6), Coronado Bank (M6.0 to 7.7), San Diego Trough (M6.1 to 7.7), San Clemente (M6.6 to 7.7).

It should also be noted that some faults are hidden beneath unperturbed sediments (blind fault) and only discovered after an earthquake occurs.

Earthquake Preparedness:

The following brochures and reports are in PDF format and require Adobe Reader to view. These brochures are also available in print at the San Diego County OES. Please call (858) 565-3490 if you wish to obtain a hardcopy.

How to Secure Your Furniture
Preparing Your Family for an Earthquake
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country (5 MB)
Echando Raices en Tierra de Terremotos (8MB)
What Causes Earthquakes?
Earthquake Preparedness Guide for Large Care Facilities (3 MB)
Earthquake Preparedness Guide Supplement - Emergency Response (2 MB)