What if, in the middle of an ordinary Tuesday morning, everything suddenly changed?
In this first installment of our two-part series, we take you inside a realistic, moment-by-moment scenario of a major earthquake striking Southern California. From crowded freeways and busy classrooms to packed office buildings, the day begins like any other … until emergency alerts sound and the ground begins to shake.
We’re joined by Katie Ing, Emergency Services Coordinator for the City of Newport Beach, who walks us through what happens in those critical first moments after a major quake. From coordination between police and fire agencies to the challenges of damaged infrastructure, overwhelmed 911 systems, and delayed mutual aid, this episode paints a clear and sobering picture of what communities can expect. You’ll also hear why preparedness isn’t just a recommendation, it’s a necessity.
With the potential for days without outside assistance, knowing how to respond, where to get reliable information, and how to help those around you could make all the difference. This episode isn’t about fear—it’s about readiness. Because when the ground moves… preparation is everything.
ReadyOC provides resources to help you prepare with a kit, at work, and at home.
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