Community Corner

Earthquake Preparedness: Must-Have List

Every earthquake, large or small, is a reminder to put together an earthquake kit or update your supplies. Have you checked your batteries?

Bay City News, News Partner
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Keep all supplies in one place for a fast evacuation, if necessary
Keep all supplies in one place for a fast evacuation, if necessary (Bea Karnes/Patch)

BAY AREA — Following a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on Thursday and a 7.1-magnitude one on Friday -- both of which originated near Ridgecrest in Southern California -- seismologists are emphasizing the value of preparedness across the state.

While these earthquakes were not felt by many in the San Francisco Bay Area, there is a 62 percent probability that at least one earthquake of magnitude 6.7 or greater will occur on a known or unknown fault in the region before 2032, according to a report by the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey.

"As Californians, we always have to be prepared for the next earthquake," said Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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The state is considered to be one of the three high-risk areas by the Department of Homeland Security, along with Alaska and the Mississippi Valley.

Earthquake preparedness

Find out what's happening in Alamedafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Before an earthquake, some steps to take for safety include strengthening your home, securing objects that might fall and gathering critical documents like identification, legal and medical files, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Assembling an emergency supply kit should also be a priority, and FEMA recommends having these items in the kit:

  • Water: Make sure you have a gallon per person per day for at least three days
  • Food: Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods, including infant formula and pet food
  • Flashlight, radio and cell phone charger
  • Medical: Include a first aid kit and both prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Assistive technology: Include battery backup power for power-dependent mobility devices, oxygen and other assistive technology needs
  • Clothing and blankets
  • Whistle: Include a whistle to signal for help
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Cash: Store cash in case ATMs are not functioning after the earthquake

More information about earthquakes and resources available before, during and after one is available online.

— Bay City News

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