I am often asked two questions by residents of Long Beach when the topic of

earthquakes is discussed. “Is there an earthquake danger in our City” and “What is
being done to protect me if the big one hits?” The answers to these questions
contain both good and bad news.

The bad news is we all have chosen to live in an area

that has been, and will continue to be, earthquake prone. The effect
of the 1933 earthquake along the Newport Inglewood Fault that dissects our City was
severe. One hundred and twenty residents died and there was major property damage.
The possibility of a major earthquake along this and other faults in our general area is
real.

The good news is our City’s emergency planning, building code

enforcement, and our ability to rapidly respond emergency services to the community
have matured greatly since the devastation of 1933. Your Long Beach Fire Department
is a key player in all of these efforts. To deal with the threat of a major earthquake, we
have established a Disaster Management Division whose sole responsibility it is to plan
for disasters

The men and women of the Long Beach Fire Department have major responsibilities
before, during, and after a major event. For your protection, Long Beach Firefighters
constantly train for readiness in major medical emergencies, extrication of trapped
victims, and the possibility of large area fires, as experienced in San Francisco on
multiple occasions after their historic quakes. We need your involvement in disaster
preparedness and ask your active participation in the Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) program where you live.

Community Emergency Response Teams

Life safety is our number one priority, and to truly be successful, we really need your
help. It is imperative for our community to become disaster trained and actively
participate in planning for a major earthquake. We need you. Our Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is designed to help businesses and
individuals prepare, through a series of classes taught by Long Beach Firefighters.
Please call the CERT hotline, 24 hours a day, (562) 570-2525, for more information.
We need you on our team.

Please make the time to read and act on the vital information we have prepared for you.

Thank You…
Before a Major Earthquake – Prepare & Plan
How well you, your family and your home survive an earthquake often depends upon
how well you prepare beforehand. It is important to conduct earthquake preparedness
training, with all family members, babysitters, and/or other household help, at least,
every six months. The following checklist will help you get started.

Knowledge is power
 Learn the “SAFE SPOTS” in each room – under sturdy tables, desks, or against
interior walls. These locations can be used as areas of refuge during a quake.

 Learn the “DANGER SPOTS” within a building – near windows, mirrors, hanging
objects, fireplaces, and tall, unsecured furniture. These areas will most likely fail
during an emergency.

 Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are damaged.
Locate any necessary tools for these jobs near the meter and keep the area clear.

 Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

 Know the location of the nearest fire and police station. These locations will become
major sources of information in an emergency.

 Know how to operate your fire extinguisher(s).

Inspect Your Home

 Check chimneys, roofs, walls, and foundations for stability. Make sure your house is
bolted to its foundation.

 Secure your water heater and major appliances as well as tall, heavy furniture,
hanging plants, mirrors, and picture frames – especially those over beds.

 Keep breakables, heavy objects, flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints,

pest sprays and cleaning products, in secured cabinets or on lower shelves.

 Keep exits clear at all times.

 Avoid excess storage.

 Store important documents in a safety deposit box or sturdy fireproof box. Make
copies and store in a separate location.

 Take photos and/or videotapes of valuables. Store them in a site well away from
your city. This form of documentation will help with insurance reimbursement.
 Place beds away from windows. At night, close blinds to prevent broken glass from
flying into the room in the event of a quake.

Preparation

 Prepare an “EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT” of essential supplies. You must

be prepared to exist on your own for at least 3 days.

 Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated during a major quake.

 Choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members may call after the
quake to report their whereabouts and conditions.

 If you have a child or children in school or daycare, know their earthquake policy.
 Make sure your emergency contact numbers at schools and/or daycare are current.

 Keep pet identification tags up to date.

 Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1.

 Keep shoes, flashlight, and a whistle (for sounding alarm) by your bed at night.

 VERY IMPORTANT - Organize your neighborhood to be self-sufficient after a

quake. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) help tremendously. Call
our CERT Hotline (562) 570-2525.

During a Major Earthquake

 Stay calm.

□ If indoors, stay there. Seek shelter at one of your “SAFE SPOTS.” Get under a
desk or table, or stand in a corner. A major cause of quake-related injuries is falling
debris. Stay inside until your exit path is safe from falling objects.

□ If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.

□ If in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a
table. Do not use elevators.

□ If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power
lines. Stay inside your car until the shaking is over.

□ If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors. Crouch and cover your head
and neck with your hands and arms.
After a Major Earthquake
Number One Priority – Life Safety

 Check for injuries within your home and neighborhood.

 If there are trapped or injured victims call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to use the
telephone for other than life-threatening emergencies. If telephones are out, try
a cellular phone.

 Apply first aid and/or start CPR if necessary.

 Be prepared for aftershocks. These additional quakes may occur soon after and
frequently.
HOW TO SHUT OFF GAS VALVE*
 Stay out of damaged buildings.
Store wrench in a
specific accessible
location
Pre-adjust wrench
Inspect Your Home in case of rust

 If damage to your electrical system is suspected

(frayed wires, sparks, or the smell of hot insulation),
turn off electrical power at the main breaker or fuse box.
 Check for gas, water, and sewage leaks.
If there is damage, turn the utility off at the source and
immediately report gas leaks to your utility company.
Check for downed power lines; warn others to stay away.
 Open doors to cupboards and closets carefully. Be wary
of falling objects. Gas Meter
ON OFF
□ Check your building for cracks and damage, including the
roof, chimneys, and foundation. *ONLY IF YOU SMELL OR SUSPECT A GAS LEAK
Requires gas department or certified plumbe
to turn gas back on
Other Items
 Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports.
For your own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials and follow
instructions.

□ Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for
emergency equipment.
 If you evacuate your home, leave a written message on your door telling family
members and others where you can be found. Advise remaining neighbors.
 Be careful around pets, they have been traumatized. Normally quiet and friendly
cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive. Leash dogs and place them in
a fenced yard.

 Eat refrigerated and frozen food first.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

We all need to be totally self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after a major
earthquake. Utility service will most likely be interrupted, and public safety
services, such as police and fire departments, will be busy handling serious
crises. To cope with this situation, YOU must have vital supplies stored to sustain you
through this initial three-day period (minimum). Be sure to include:
 Food – Canned or dehydrated. Remember a can opener, cooking and eating
utensils.

 Water -- One gallon per day (per person) minimum -- store in airtight containers and
replace every six months. Emergency water may be obtained from water heaters,
melted ice, toilet tanks, and canned vegetables. Use iodine tablets or chlorine
bleach (8 drops per gallon) to purify water as needed.

 First aid kit – Extra bandaging supplies

 Fire extinguisher -- Your fire extinguisher needs to be suitable for all types of fires
(A, B, & C)

 Flashlights with extra batteries -- Keep flashlights beside your bed and in several
other locations. DO NOT use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are
certain there are no gas leaks.

 Portable radio with extra batteries -- Most telephones will be out of order or limited
to emergency use. The radio will be your best source of information.

 Extra blankets or sleeping bag(s), clothing, shoes and money

 Alternate cooking sources -- Store a barbecue or camping stove for outdoor

camping. CAUTION: Be sure there are no gas leaks in the area before you use any
kind of fire as a cooking source, and NEVER USE CHARCOAL INDOORS.

 Special items -- Have at least a one-week supply of medications and food for
infants and pets.

 Extra Eye Glasses and Shoes

 Sanitation Supplies - Toothpaste & brushes, soap, toilet paper, plastic trash bags
for waste or ponchos, bleach, plastic trash can, dust mask, goggles, crowbar,
garden hose, and sturdy bucket.

 Feminine hygiene supplies

 Cleanup & Safety Tools - Heavy gloves, shovel, knife, broom, axe, adjustable
wrench, pliers, screwdriver, coil half-inch rope, and duct tape.

BE SURE YOUR EMERGENCY KITS ARE PORTABLE AND EASY TO REACH.

Additional available links for which you and family, as well as businesses can become better
prepared to respond to an earthquake.

Local:
City of Long Beach Resources
Fire Department – Disaster Management Bureau
http://www.longbeach.gov/fire/emergency_prep/default.asp
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
http://www.longbeach.gov/fire/cert/mission_and_purpose.asp
Police Department
http://www.longbeach.gov/police/default.asp
Department of Health & Human Services
http://www.longbeach.gov/health/default.asp

The American Red Cross – Greater Long Beach Chapter

http://www.redcrosslb.org/

County:
The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office – Office of Emergency Management
http://www.lacoa.org/

State:
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
http://www.oes.ca.gov/

Federal:
A great resource to help develop your earthquake plans and kits. – Ready America Campaign
http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/earthquakes.html
Disaster Help – Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.disasterhelp.gov/start.shtm
Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/
Department of Homeland Security
 http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm
U.S. Geological Survey – Specific earthquake information and maps.
http://www.usgs.gov/