California Earthquake Safety: 3 Ways to Prepare Yourself for The Big One

Worried about earthquakes? Don't let the fear of such a natural disaster paralyze you. Take active measures today to ensure you and your family's safety in case an earthquake strikes near home.

Recently, Los Angeles and other areas of California suffered a massive earthquake clocking in at 5.4 on the Richter earthquake measurement scale. Aftershocks and tremors were similarly large, some as big as 3.8 earthquakes. Earthquake researchers and scientists are now saying that the latest big earthquake in Los Angeles and San Diego was merely a foreshadow of "The Big One" (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g-JQC5ESySZKfb7WpG_XRBRxNNYwD928B4KO4).

In fact, the United States government's earthquake data has said that the chances of a large earthquake in California ("big" meaning 6.7!) happening in the next 30 years is 99 percent (http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1914)

This "Big One" is something California residents have feared for decades, and the threat rises ever year. The question is: Are California residents prepared for when (not if) this big earthquake hits? For that matter, are YOU prepared for an earthquake? Earthquakes happen around the world, and the health and safety of your family depends largely on your safety readiness and preparation.

Three Ways to Prepare You and Your Family for a Big Earthquake:

Preparing for a natural disaster like an earthquake is about more than just stocking a couple bottles of water and a flashlight.

#1 Earthquake Safety Preparation Tip: Learn about earthquakes and educate yourself!

The U.S. government's Geological Survey website has great information about earthquake safety and preparing for such a natural disaster. Also, if you live in an earthquake-prone zone, your county or city officials often conduct disaster preparedness classes to show you ways to proactively protect you and your family from an earthquake.

#2 Earthquake Safety Preparation Tip: Prepare your home and family for an earthquake!

As with all natural disasters and emergencies, sit your family down and create an earthquake emergency plan. Plot out where you'll meet in case you're separated, contact numbers, and safe zones. Don't forget to plan for every detail, including where your pets will live and where to stay if you can't make it to your safe meeting spot (and how to communicate where you are).

In your home, prepare for an earthquake by securing loose objects like pictures hanging on the wall. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, get earthquake insurance.

#3 Earthquake Safety Preparation Tip: Plan to live without utilities and amenities for 72 hours.

72 hours is said to be the time that people should plan to survive on their stored food and water before help arrives. Often, in a natural disaster like an earthquake or hurricane, utilities are knocked out, roads are blocked, and debris is everywhere. Emergency personnel and government officials often can't get to a disaster zone right away. Be sure you've stored enough food, water, medicine and supplies to make it through those 72 hours. One very helpful site that I use to plan for a disaster is 72hours.org. Check it out for helpful plans and tips on surviving for 72 hours without help.

The big earthquake is coming to California, but that doesn't mean you need to panic. With the right safety preparation and forethought, you can protect you and your family from earthquakes and other natural disasters.