Californiabeganusing an earthquake warning system this summer that notifies citizens of seismic shifts coming to their area.
In theory, that should give you a little time to prepare for the earth moving.
Heres what to do with those extra seconds.
And it may be only a matter of seconds,according totheL.A.
The speed with which people receive that phone buzz relates to how close they are to the quakes epicenter.
This is what you should do:
While Driving
Pull over!
Thats a taller order out on the highway, and maybe something to think about on your daily commute.
Where would you pull over?
Once youve stopped, set your parking brake and wait until the shaking stops.
Remember, falling debris could also come from the side.
The more open space there is around you, the better.
Drop to the ground, cover your head, and hold on.
Turn on your stomach and cover your head and neck with a pillow for protection from falling ceiling pieces.
While At The Beach
The danger on a beach is a possible tsunami.
Dont take a chance just because theres been no warningget out of there.
After the quake ends, walk inland or to high ground immediately.
California offerstsunami mapsto show which beaches are vulnerable to the big waves.
If you cant get away, go into a concrete or steel-frame building.
A tsunami can easily wipe out a wood-frame house.
Be careful while exiting after the quake, as debris could still fall from above.
instruct them to drop down and take cover, if its available.
Even if you make it to an exit, theres often a lot of debris around doorways.
Old adobe houses that are unreinforcedaresafest in the doorway, but thats about it for most structures.
Its time to put that common misconception about earthquake safety to bed.
