Earthquake Preparedness in Santa Monica

Earthquakes can strike without warning throughout the Southern California region. Now is the time to take steps to prepare for the next earthquake. Our community's resilience depends on each of us preparing our households and neighborhoods so that we can quickly recover.

The City of Santa Monica encourages everyone to be prepared for emergencies for up to 7 days. People should be prepared for emergencies in their home, workplace and car.

There are many faults in and near Los Angeles, and the City of Santa Monica encourages everyone to learn where the Santa Monica fault is located. To learn more about local faults and their potential impacts on Santa Monica, watch Santa Monica's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan community presentation video.

Remember when shaking starts Drop, Cover and Hold On or, if you utilize a device for mobility, Lock, Cover and Hold On. For more information regarding actions to take during an earthquake, visit earthquakecountry.org

Practice Drop, Cover and Hold On during the annual Great California ShakeOut Earthquake Drill every October. To find out more visit: www.shakeout.org/california/

Learn more about preparing for other Santa Monica hazards here.

FAQ

Is there a way to get advanced warning of an earthquake?

Earthquake early warning systems use earthquake monitoring systems to alert devices and people when shaking waves generated by an earthquake are expected to arrive at their location. Early earthquake warning can provide seconds to tens of seconds of advance warning. This time can allow people and systems to take actions to protect life and property from destructive shaking.

To learn how to sign up for earthquake warning alerts on your mobile device, visit: earthquake.ca.gov/get-alerts.

To learn more about Earthquake Early Warning, click www.usgs.gov

How do I stay informed after an earthquake?

Emergency messages will be shared through multiple channels – radio, mass notifications, television, and social media. Here are some ways to stay informed:

Stay tuned to local radio on your battery operated device or car for information and safety advisories via the City of Santa Monica’s local radio station 1680AM.
Keep charged batteries and car-phone chargers available for back-up power for your cell phone.
Sign up for local notifications at: santamonica.gov/alerts
Follow the City of Santa Monica on your social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram)

What does "Drop, Cover and Hold" mean?

During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it. Be ready to move with the table until the shaking stops. If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor and protect your head and neck with your arms. Crawl towards an interior wall if you are able. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, glass, tall furniture, and large appliances. Stay indoors until shaking has stopped.

If you are in bed, stay there, protect your head with a pillow. Lie face down to protect your body. You are less likely to be injured staying where you are.

If dropping to the floor is not an option, you can still take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you utilize a walker with a seat or a wheelchair, you should instead "Lock, Cover, and Hold". Sit in the walker’s seat or, if using a wheelchair, stay seated. Be sure to lock the brakes on both sides as tightly as you can to keep from rolling around, lean forward if you can, and hold on to the arm of the seat until the shaking stops.

For earthquake safety instructions, please visit: earthquakecountry.org

What should I do if I'm at the beach during an earthquake?

Drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. When shaking starts, start counting. If severe shaking lasts 20 seconds or more, immediately walk quickly to high ground or inland as a tsunami may be generated by the earthquake. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris and other hazards.

Become familiar with the Santa Monica Hazard Zone Tsunami Map and plan your evacuation route.

Once earthquake shaking has stopped, what actions should I take to protect my family and household?

Taking the right actions before, during and after an earthquake can help protect family members and prevent household damage. Know the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety to help you survive and recover from a damaging earthquake.

After shaking, households can take actions to minimize further injuries and damage. Some helpful tips include:

If you are not in a tsunami zone, evacuate only if damage to the building or surrounding area is unsafe.
Put on protective gear like sturdy shoes and work gloves. Survey your area. Identify hazards like small fires, damage to gas, electrical, or water lines and damage to buildings. These hazards could be worsened by aftershocks. See Earthquake Safety Step Six for directions on what to do if you encounter these hazards.
Check for injuries and provide first aid, if trained.
Check on your neighbors, especially those who are seniors or disabled and households with unattended children and pets.

Additional resources and information can be found here.

How can I check if my home or workplace has been retrofitted for earthquake safety?

Earthquakes damage to vulnerable buildings can cause physical injury, loss of life, as well as significant economic loss. To mitigate earthquake damage and impacts, the City Council adopted a Seismic Retrofit Ordinance in 2017. The ordinance works to strengthen existing older buildings to provide enhanced structural safety during an earthquake.

Visit the City's Seismic Retrofit Program webpage to see requirements and review the retrofit status of commercial and multi-family residential buildings that have been evaluated for needing potential structural improvements.