Social Media: A Seismic Opportunity

*The following article is a Cal EMA contribution to the Domestic Preparedness Journal. The article was printed on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.*

On 23 August 2011, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Mineral, Virginia, and rattled a large area up and down the U.S. East Coast – an area unaccustomed to such seismic events. In the moments that followed, information and shocked reactions spread at an unprecedented rate. But the first reports were not on television or other traditional media. Rather, news of the quake was being reported through literally hundreds of social media websites, mobile applications on cellphones, and other electronic devices of those who had experienced the shocks personally.

Cal EMA Acting Secretary Welcomes SBA Disaster Assistance for Wind Storm

Fallen trees blocking a Highland Park (Los Angeles) street following a heavy wind storm Dec. 1, 2011. REUTERS

*The following news release was issued by Cal EMA on Monday, December 19, 2011.*

MATHER – California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Acting Secretary Mike Dayton today welcomed news from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Karen G. Mills that she has declared a disaster for Los Angeles County in response to the severe wind storm that struck the area from November 30 through December 4.

Cal EMA Acting Secretary Asks SBA to Assist Homeowners, Renters and Business Owners Affected by Windstorm

A Pasadena gas station lies damaged following a massive December wind storm. David McNew/Getty Images

SACRAMENTO – At the direction of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Acting Secretary Mike Dayton has sent a letter to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting that it declare a disaster for Los Angeles County in response to the windstorm that struck the area on Nov. 30.

‘Tis the Season for Earthquake Preparedness

*The following news release was issued by Cal EMA on Wednesday, December 14, 2011.*

~There’s more than one way to shake a snowglobe, and other precious keepsakes~

SACRAMENTO – It’s that time of year again.  Decorations that had been packed away are coming out once more to be displayed on mantles, shelves, and any other places that will demonstrate the spirit of the season.  Some of these keepsakes are new while others hold priceless memories of several generations…and yet very few of them have been properly protected from the threat of earthquakes.

In the latest episode from Totally Unprepared, Los Angeles viewer Heather Kram is concerned about how her collection of holiday snowglobes will hold up in the event of a quake. Well, there’s only one way to find out.

Cal EMA Acting Secretary Praises Orange County Firefighters following MOBEX

*The following news release was issued by Cal EMA on Monday, December 5, 2011.*

MATHER  – California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) Acting Secretary Mike Dayton today said the experience gained by first responders from Orange County agencies that participated in this past weekend’s Mobilization Exercise (MOBEX) at the Orange County Fire Authority Regional Training Center in Irvine will benefit residents of Orange County, the state and the nation.

Cal EMA Urge Californians to Prepare for Severe Cold

*The following news release was issued by Cal EMA on Monday, December 5, 2011.*

~Freeze Warnings in place for Northern California counties~

MATHER, Calif. -The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) today urged residents throughout the State of California to accelerate their winter weather preparedness efforts in response to a forecast by the National Weather Service for temperatures in the 20s to low 30s and possibly lower later this week. Freeze Warnings have been issued for areas in and around Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Todd Lappin and Telstar Logistics are Totally Unprepared

In this week’s episode of Totally Unprepared, we visit the San Francisco home of Telstar Logistics founder, Todd Lappin, and his daughter Miel. Our host Ron Haralson quizes Todd on his earthquake preparedness, and takes he and Miel for a ride int he Big Shaker.

San Diego Radio Personality, “Geena the Latina”, is Totally Unprepared for an Earthquake

*The following news release was issued by Cal EMA on Wednesday, November 2, 2011.*

SACRAMENTO – San Diego radio personality, Geena “the Latina” Aguilar, is like many Californians. She is aware of California’s vulnerability to earthquakes, and yet she and her family have taken very few steps to prepare and protect themselves from the dangers of a quake.

This week’s video from Totally Unprepared puts the Aguilar family’s preparedness to the test. Hostess and earthquake safety expert Susan Jekarl runs the Aguilars through an earthquake drill. Having experienced quakes before, surely everyone will know exactly what to do….or not.

First Nationwide Test of Emergency Alert System (EAS) Set for November 9

*The following news release was issued by Cal EMA on Friday, October 28, 2011*

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On the morning of November 9^th, people across the state will hear those familiar tones or see that test message across their screens saying “this is a test.”  The difference this time is that this test is happening across the nation, all at the same time.   It will be a first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) giving federal, state and local officials the opportunity to make sure vital life-safety information can be communicated from the nation’s capital to the public via broadcasters and cable operators.

Cal EMA and California Seismic Safety Commission Remind Californians to Be Prepared in Wake of Recent Quakes

*The following news release was issued by Cal EMA and the California Seismic Safety Commission on Thursday, October 27, 2011.*

~Officials provide links to easy steps to build a preparedness kit and watch how-to videos~

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – After a recent string of moderate earthquakes that shook up parts of the bay area and northern California, the California Seismic Safety Commission (CSSC) and California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) have teamed up to remind everyone that now is a good time to refresh home emergency kits, and focus on the need to take simple steps to prepare yourself, your family and pets for the next quake.