Experts say it's a matter of when not if the
next earthquake strikes
OAKLAND,
Calif., April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- After 23
years of studying the science and impacts of earthquakes,
Megan Stanton knows two important
facts every Californian should remember - there will be strong
earthquakes every year, and there are ways to prepare in advance to
keep you and your family safe.
"Computer models and historical data show that we have a chance
of at least a magnitude 6 earthquake every year. Those earthquakes
are not always in populated areas, but they happen every year on
average. The key to remember is that we can't predict when or where
those earthquakes will happen, so it's important to prepare now,"
said Stanton, a Geosciences Expert for Pacific Gas and Electric
Company (PG&E).
Stanton and her colleagues monitor a variety of risks every day,
from earthquakes and other ground movement to volcanic activity and
tsunamis. Their work helps keep utility workers safe on the job and
helps restore customers after disasters strike. It can also help
coworkers keep themselves and their families safe.
"The biggest risk of injury we see from large earthquakes is
from people not taking cover. Instead, they run for cover and risk
being hurt by flying objects or from debris falling if they run
outside. The safest thing to do when you receive an alert of feel
shaking, is to take cover immediately. Taking cover will look
different depending on where you're located (e.g. movie theater,
car, park, bed, office)," Stanton said.
To keep you and your family safe, take these steps now:
- Take the Federal Emergency Management Agency Home Hazard Hunt
to identify hazards in your home such as heavy furniture that may
fall during a quake.
- Secure hazards with earthquake straps or fasteners.
- Create a disaster plan for your family and decide how you will
communicate at the first sign of an earthquake, tsunami, or other
emergency.
- Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
Stanton said once you take those initial steps, it's important
to practice emergency response in your home.
"Practice now, so that when an earthquake strikes, you will know
what to do," Stanton said.
Take advantage of technology to be prepared
Stanton said she encourages everyone to download the MyShake App
for their phone, and sign up for emergency alerts.
"While we cannot predict earthquakes, there is technology that
allows you to receive early warnings when an earthquake happens.
Those warnings may give you time to take cover and stay safe.
When an earthquake hits, follow these tips:
- Drop, cover and hold on, or sit on a chair or bed and cover
your head and neck with both hands, a book or even a pillow.
- If you use a walker, lock the wheels and then cover your head
and neck.
- If you are in a recliner or on a bed, don't try to move.
Instead, cover your head and neck until the shaking stops.
To learn more about preparing for an earthquake, visit
PG&E's Safety Action Center to learn how to:
- Prepare for an earthquake
- Prepare an emergency plan
- Pack an emergency kit/go bag
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric
utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square
miles in Northern and Central
California. For more information, visit pge.com and
pge.com/news.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/when-an-earthquake-strikes-will-your-family-be-ready-take-time-during-california-earthquake-preparedness-month-to-shake-proof-your-home-and-business-302110764.html
SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company