The recent non-related 3.6-magnitude earthquake that struck near Westwood at 11:20pm on Monday, Sept. 18 and 7.1-magnitude earthquake near Raboso, Mexico at 11:14am on Tuesday, Sept. 8 should remind Los Angeles County residents and businesses that a catastrophic earthquake could occur at any time, according to the County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
The County of Los Angeles Chief Executive Office this week released a statement to remind all county residents and businesses to take the necessary steps now to prepare for earthquakes and other hazards and threats. The following are some preparedness tips on what to do during an earthquake:
• If you experience shaking, the recommended actions are to drop under a piece of furniture. Take cover under the piece of furniture by protecting your head and neck with one arm or hand. Hold on to the piece of furniture’s leg to keep it from shifting or uncovering you until the shaking completely stops. Never run out of buildings during an earthquake as most people are injured by falling debris as they try to exit buildings during the shaking.
• If you experience shaking and are in a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels and cover your head and neck area with a pillow or some type of object that will deflect the debris from falling onto you.
• When you are in public places, be aware of your surroundings and identify your safe spaces.
• To receive emergency notifications, register your cellular telephone and landlines at Alert LA County at lacounty.gov/emergency/alert-la.
For more information on how to prepare for earthquakes and other hazards and threats in Los Angeles County, OEM has available online the County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Guide at lacounty.gov/emergency.
For more information and to register online for 2017 Great California ShakeOut, visit shakeout.org/california/register.
Also, Los Angeles County residents, renters and business owners, including persons with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, may call 2-1-1 at any time for emergency-preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed online by visiting 211la.org.
Source: LA County OEM
