Why is the Los Angeles area so prone to earthquakes?

One of our clients recently asked us, why is the Los Angeles area so prone to earthquakes?  Our client read our previous blogs, which described how our recent 4.2-magnitude earthquake and its aftershocks was a stark reminder of just how dangerous our Los Angeles “neighborhood” really is!  The potential damage from earthquakes has increased because of the 2019 Ridgecrest, CA earthquake, which literally tripled the likelihood of a large tremor on the San Andreas Fault, which is located just 35 miles away from downtown Los Angeles

What are some of the ways to prepare for an earthquake at home? 

This is a good opportunity to remind all our clients and friends of the importance of having a basic earthquake emergency kit – having one on-hand can save lives!

When an earthquake hits, it does so with tremendous force and typically you will have no more than just a second or two to realize what is happening, “get over” the initial shock, and spring into action!  In those few precious moments, it’s crucial for every Los Angelino to be able to grab his or her basic emergency supply earthquake kit and head to a safe area to shelter in place.

What is in an earthquake kit?

You are probably wondering, what is inside of an earthquake survival kit?*   Well, each one of us should put together such a supply kit and store it in an air-tight plastic bin or bag.

Here’s what should be in such a kit, at a minimum:

  • A gallon of water per day, per person, for a minimum of three days.
  • A three-day supply of non-perishable food for you and your pets (think cans and a can opener!)
  • A robust first-aid kit, along with your medications (including pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids, etc.)
  • A flashlight with extra batteries, a hand-cranked radio, and extra batteries for your cell phone.
  • A change of clothing per person.
  • Extra pair of glasses / contact lenses, with lens solution.
  • A good whistle in case you need to alert others.
  • Matches in a waterproof container.
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
  • Extra masks and hand-sanitizers.
  • Important documents: IDs, insurance policies, bank records, and other family records.
  • A wrench/pliers to turn off utilities, if needed (e.g., gas).
  • A good paper map of your area.
  • Activities for young children.

Where is the best place to store an earthquake preparedness kit?

The best place to store an earthquake preparedness kit is where it will be easy for you to grab it during an emergency. And so, the kit should be pleased near an exit, in a room or closet, where you can grab it as you are heading to safety!  Also, don’t forget you also need to inspect and refresh your emergency kit every few months, keeping canned foods, medications, and water in good condition, and replacing expired items frequently!  Having such an emergency earthquake kit will keep you and your loved ones safe during the next “Big One!”

What to do, and where to go, after an earthquake? 

After you check yourself and others for injuries, see if you can also check your home’s  water, gas, and electric lines for damage (but do this only if you can do it safely, staying away from broken glass, debris, or building materials such as chimneys, which may pose a continuing hazard!).

Every family should designate, ahead of time, a central meeting point where family members and friends can gather after the immediate emergency has passed.  This will help ensure that all family members can be taken care of in the days following the earthquake.

Who can earthquake retrofit a home?

The specialists at Weinstein Construction are experts at earthquake retrofitting and can help Los Angeles homeowners with all their earthquake retrofitting Los Angeles needs!  We are also the region’s best house leveling, French drainage installation, basement waterproofing, and foundation cracks repair specialists!  Call Weinstein Construction today at 818-855-5752 to schedule a no obligation, free inspection and estimate.  Be prepared and have peace of mind when the next “Big One” hits!

* Adapted from, “California earthquake: How to make your own emergency kit before the Big One hits,” The Mercury News, July 6, 2019.