Table of Contents
There’s nothing scarier than being unprepared when an earthquake strikes. The good news is that there are plenty of action items you can do ahead of time that can significantly increase your chances of staying safe and protected—even in a worst-case scenario situation.
If you live in California and have been meaning to spend some time preparing for the potential of an earthquake, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn some of the things you can do now to ensure you’re prepared if disaster strikes.
Prepare Before an Earthquake
While the onset of an earthquake may seem sudden, the preparation you do can keep you safe and may even save your life. Taking the time to prepare before a disaster strikes will help you to remain calm and avoid panicking in the case of an earthquake. Here are some things you can do ahead of time to be prepared.
- Have an emergency plan ready: The best way to prepare is to know the exact steps you plan to take in case of an emergency. You should set up a comfortable and safe space to go to at the onset of an earthquake. Practice this emergency plan regularly with everyone in your household so that there will be no unnecessary surprises when the time comes to put the plan into action.
- Know who to contact: Once your emergency plan is settled and your space is set up, it’s time to create a list of people you’ll contact when it’s safe. Keep in touch with neighbors and local family and friends to ensure everyone’s okay and not in need of assistance. Keep your devices charged and ready to go with the EcoFlow Portable Power Stations so you aren’t left stranded in an emergency.
- Secure unstable items in your home: Take the time to reinforce all furniture in your home. Dressers, TV stands, cabinets, and any other unsteady furniture can present a risk to your safety if they’re not properly stabilized before an earthquake. Do your best to secure these items and set up your safe space far away from any potential hazards in your home.
- Have a way to stay informed: Local news stations can provide important updates regarding earthquakes. Keep your radio or phone nearby and charged so that you can stay informed and aware of the state of the situation. EcoFlow DELTA Series Portable Power Stations, like the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3, can provide you with a reliable power source even if the power grid were to go black.
- Expect aftershocks: After the initial earthquake, there is a high likelihood of aftershocks following. Make sure your safe space is well-protected, and prepare to stay there as long as necessary until the aftershocks have settled and it’s safe to leave.
Staying Safe During an Earthquake
When you’ve been alerted to tectonic activity, your window to act is minimal. Here are the top seven safety tips you should remember so you know what to do when the time comes.
The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
- Secure the Items in Your Space
First and foremost, secure any large items so that they don’t fall on you or anyone in your home. If you’ve been alerted of an impending earthquake, you only have a few moments to do this, so move quickly and strategically throughout your home.
- Have a Plan to Stay Safe and Out of Danger Zones
Danger zones are areas where there may be an increased risk of getting injured if you were to stay there during the worst of the earthquake. You wouldn’t, for instance, want to be close to anything breakable like windows and glass, nor would you want to be standing next to tall and heavy pieces of furniture that could fall due to the shaking.
Your chosen safe space should be far away from either of these concerns and should allow you to shield yourself from any falling items. You should always try to stay close to the ground as you may find it hard to keep your balance. To reduce the risk of falling, sitting or lying in your safe space can help you to remain protected.
- Collect Disaster Supplies Ahead of Time
Having the proper earthquake preparedness kit is key to staying safe and protected during and after the event. Investing in backup power sources like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 and EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel) can give you peace of mind, knowing that you’ll have access to power and a way to stay connected.
- Know Your Insurance Protection Options
Earthquakes can happen anytime, so don’t wait to act on this step. Call your insurance provider and learn about the protections you currently have, as well as any you can add to your policy.
In the event of an unexpected earthquake, you can not add the protections after the fact and will be left with the cost of cleaning up the mess, so do your research and know your options.
- Stop, Drop, Seek Shelter, and Cover Your Head
Once the earthquake hits, move as quickly as you can to your designated safe space, and be sure to cover your head.
- Evacuate if Necessary and Only When Safe to Do So
Once the worst of the quake has calmed down, take a look around and see what the damage is. Buildings can continue to move and are highly unstable in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake, so don’t be too quick to move from your safe space, and don’t assume that your building is sound.
- Take a Breath and Reassess
There’s no denying that earthquakes are scary and may leave you feeling disheveled and uncertain of what to do next. Always prioritize your safety and take a moment to reassess the situation before you take any further action.
How to Stay Safe After an Earthquake
- Don’t Move Too Quickly: Moving too quickly can put you and your loved ones in danger. Just because the active shaking may have stopped, it doesn’t mean you are automatically safe. Take your time and proceed with caution.
- Know Your Options: There are many disaster relief programs available to assist you in your time of need. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or rely on these programs as you work to get back on your feet.
How to Prepare and Protect Your Home
If you spend a lot of time in your home, it’s safe to assume that this may be where you’re situated when an earthquake hits. Preparing your home is easy to do and can make the difference between life and death, so take it seriously and stay on top of things.
Structure and Geologic Threats
Depending on where you live and what type of building you live in, it’s a good idea to have your space inspected by a professional to assess any risks throughout your home. Apartments and townhomes are built differently than single-family residences, but you can rest assured that there are ways to protect your space in both styles of buildings.
Understanding Your Local Risks & Hazards
Your location may or may not have added risks and hazards, but it’s important to know either way so that you can prepare. High-rise buildings and chemical or biohazard plants are just some of the many things you should know about, as they can cause added problems if they’re damaged in a quake.
Earthquake Insurance Coverage
Insurance protection plans are available that you can add to your policy in case an earthquake hits. Living in California poses a rather large risk of this happening, so the added monthly investment to your insurance plan may be worth it in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
When an earthquake strikes in California, it’s best to be prepared. Take the time to prepare your home and belongings and stow away any items that could become falling hazards. Stay connected and alert to local news stations to learn about the effects and expectations of the earthquake to ensure your next steps are taken with safety and precaution in mind.
If a large earthquake is coming, you should find a safe space to ride it out. Large earthquakes often bring strong aftershocks that can affect the area for hours or even days after the main event. Know your escape routes and only use them when it is safe to do so.
Final Thoughts
There are lots of things you can do ahead of time to prepare for an earthquake in California. As scary as these natural disasters can be, taking the time to prepare is your best chance to stay safe and protected in an emergency.
Stock up on all the essentials in your home so you don’t have to panic when disaster strikes. EcoFlow’s Portable Power Stations can help keep you connected during the hours after the quake and will ensure you have a reliable power source, even if the grid goes down.