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It’s a wake-up call!
Two major earthquakes the other week are a reminder to be ready for worst.
Could the ‘Big One’ be next?
Chances are many South Pasadenans felt the two major tremblers, one reaching a magnitude of 6.4 and the other 7.1, both originating from the epicenter in the high dessert.
Earthquakes, like those that took place near Ridgecrest, can cause tremendous damage to buildings, bust gas and water lines and force power lines to go down.
The initial earthquakes were dangerous enough, but plenty of aftershocks followed.
If a major disaster of a similar magnitude occurred in the Los Angeles area, the city of South Pasadena would activate its Emergency Operation Center (EOC) at the local fire station.
The EOC would serve as a command center to coordinate emergency relief efforts and would include emergency medical attention, evacuations and the overall goal of maintaining order until additional help arrives.
In the event of a quake hitting close to home, residents are encouraged to be self-sufficient for a period of time, most-likely a week to 10 days before relief efforts reach them.
The County of Los Angeles Office of Emergency Management has contingency plans in place to mitigate the effects of a large earthquake. State law designates city staff in communities as disaster service workers and training is provided on a regular basis.
The South Pasadena Unified School District has an Emergency Preparedness Committee that reviews disaster plans for each of the five school sites. Disaster drills are held throughout the year. School personnel practice search and rescue procedures and student release procedures, in addition to conducting orderly evacuation.
The South Pasadena Fire Department provides some safety tips to help residents during emergency situations.
Tips for Inside Your Home
- Stay calm. If inside, stay there and take cover where you are.
- Duck, cover and hold. Duck or drop down to the floor.
- Take cover under sturdy desk or furniture. If that is not possible, seek cover against interior wall. Protect your neck and arms.
- Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects or tall furniture. If you take cover under sturdy furniture, hold onto it and be prepared to move with it. Hold on until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.
- Be prepared for after shocks.
Tips for Outside Your Home
- Store – Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall. Do not rush for the exit.
- Sidewalk near building – Duck into a doorway to protect from falling bricks, glass and debris.
- Driving – Pull over to the side of road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside vehicle.
- High-rise building – Move against interior wall. Do not use the elevators.
- Outdoors – Move to a clear area away from trees, buildings or downed electrical wires and poles.
- Stadium/Theatre – Stay in seat, get below level of the back of the seat, cover head with arms.
- Beach – Move away from water. Seek high ground.
