If you live in Orange County or Los Angeles County, earthquakes are part of life. We cannot predict them, but we can make our homes safer before one hits.
October is a great time to do it. The Great ShakeOut earthquake drill takes place every year on the third Thursday of October at 10:15 a.m., which this year is Thursday, October 15. Use it as your reminder to check your home and practice what to do.
Secure What Can Fall
During shaking, the biggest danger in many homes is what falls or tips over. Walk through each room and look up.
- Anchor tall bookcases, dressers, and cabinets to the wall
- Secure TVs and other heavy electronics
- Move heavy items off high shelves
- Keep heavy mirrors and framed art away from beds and sofas
- Add latches to cabinets that could fly open
- Strap your water heater so it cannot tip over (and see our water heater maintenance guide)
Most of this takes basic tools and an afternoon.
Build a Basic Emergency Kit
Plan to be on your own for at least three days. A basic kit includes:
- Water, about one gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- A first aid kit
- Any needed medications
- A battery or hand-crank radio
- Phone chargers and a backup battery
- Copies of important documents
Remember your pets too, with food, water, and any medications. Store the kit where you can reach it quickly, and check expiration dates once a year. For a grab-and-go version, see How to Pack an Emergency Go Bag, and for more preparedness ideas, read Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness 101.
Know Where Your Gas Shutoff Is
Find your gas meter and the shutoff valve, and keep the right tool nearby. If you smell gas or suspect a leak after shaking, shut it off, leave the house, and call your gas utility. Do not turn the gas back on yourself. Some homeowners also add automatic gas shut-off valves, which are designed to limit damage from a gas leak.
Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On
When the ground shakes: Drop to your hands and knees, Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and Hold On until the shaking stops. Practice with your family, and pick a safe spot in each room.
Make a Plan
Decide on a meeting spot, and agree on an out-of-area contact everyone can reach. Save important phone numbers in more than one place.
Why October Is a Good Time to Prepare in Southern California
Earthquakes can happen at any time of year, which is why the October Great ShakeOut drill is a helpful yearly reminder for Orange County and Los Angeles County homeowners.
Doing your checks now means you are prepared long before the holidays, when your home is busy with guests and your attention is somewhere else. Pair these tasks with the drill and you can finish most of them in a single weekend.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Call a licensed professional to strap or brace a water heater if you are not comfortable doing it, to inspect your foundation if you see new cracks, or to handle gas line concerns. Ask for a written estimate, since prices vary by home.
Final Thoughts
A few small steps now can make a big difference. Anchor the tall furniture, strap the water heater, pack your kit, and join the ShakeOut on October 15.
Want more ways to protect your home? Browse our home maintenance tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I earthquake-proof my home?
Anchor tall furniture to the wall, secure heavy items and electronics, strap the water heater, move heavy objects off high shelves, and keep a basic emergency kit ready.
What should be in an earthquake emergency kit?
Water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and batteries, a first aid kit, medications, a radio, phone chargers, and copies of important documents. Plan for at least three days.
What should I do during an earthquake?
Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
What is the Great ShakeOut?
It is an annual earthquake drill held on the third Thursday of October at 10:15 a.m., encouraging people to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
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