How to Survive an Earthquake in Los Angeles

Surviving an earthquake, particularly in an urban area like Los Angeles, is a matter of preparation. Although earthquakes occur without warning, you can still assemble an emergency kit, minimize potential damage to your home, and run practice drills on what to do if disaster strikes. Knowing how to respond during an earthquake can keep you and your loved ones out of harm's way. Take some time to prepare. You'll have a better chance of staying safe.

Things You'll Need

• Emergency survival kit
• Bottled water
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Portable radio
• Cell phone
• Evacuation plan

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Instructions

• 1

  Buy an earthquake survival kit. You may want to purchase a few of these kits, one for your car, one for your office and one for your home. At the very least, you should keep extra drinking water in your car and store some emergency supplies in your house. Make these supplies portable by packing them into a knapsack or duffel bag so that you'll be able to grab it and go during an earthquake. Ready-made kits typically contain essential supplies such as nutrition bars, drinking water, emergency blankets, first aid and other necessities. Make sure your kit provides enough sustenance for two people over three days.

• 2

  Keep flashlights and extra batteries handy. Put several around the house and one in the glove compartment of your car. It's also generally a good idea to keep a flashlight near your bedside. Consider putting a small LED flashlight on your key chain so that it stays with you.

• 3

  Get a good portable radio. This vital piece of equipment will keep you informed of the news and emergency updates. Try to find one that includes a hand-crank power supply or runs on solar energy.

• 4

  Keep your cell phone (and laptop computer, if you own one) charged at all times. Consider getting a solar-powered charger for your electronics. Your chances of survival increase if you can communicate and be located using these devices.

• 5

  Develop and coordinate an evacuation plan with your family. Choose two locations where you can meet one another. If you are separated during an earthquake, you'll be able to gather later, when it's safe to do so.

• 6

  Know what to do during an earthquake and run practice drills. If an earthquake strikes, immediately get under a sturdy desk or table and hold onto it. If there's nothing protective nearby, cover your head with your arms and get under a strongly supported doorway. If you're not near a doorway, crouch in an interior corner of the house or building. If you're in bed, curl up, using a pillow to protect your head. Stay away from glass windows or objects that might fall on you. If you're driving, pull over when it's safe, but steer clear of overpasses and bridges, which could collapse during an earthquake.