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.

In a conference room full of emergency planners in Eureka, California, the first news came to the group not from their own offices and headquarters, but from East Coast acquaintances posting messages to the Twitter and Facebook pages of the conference attendees. In fact, by the time the first official reports were released, responders across the nation were already well aware of the situation and were working on plans for the next steps that should be taken. The power of social media and its value as a viable communications tool in emergency response situations was once again made clear.

The past year witnessed many other events around the world that have further underscored the increased and still growing importance of social media. From communicating immediate information on such major disasters as the Joplin, Missouri, tornados and Japan’s earthquake/tsunami, to the coordination of political movements in Libya and the United States (the various “Occupy” demonstrations), a higher percentage of the population is now accessing social media and relying on it for accurate and up-to-the-minute information.

The ARC Survey: Some Compelling Findings

In the summer of 2011, the American Red Cross (ARC) conducted a survey to determine how the U.S. public might use social media to its best advantage, particularly in times of crisis. Among the key findings in that survey were the following:

• The Internet is the third most popular way for people to gather emergency information – already, 18% of the population specifically uses Facebook for that purpose;
• About 24% of the general population and almost one third (31%) of the online population say that they would use social media to let their loved ones know that they are safe;
• A huge 80% of the general population, and 69% of the online populations surveyed, said they believe that, to improve their ability to act promptly in times of crisis, national emergency response organizations should routinely monitor social media;
• Among those who said they would post a request for help through social media, 39% of those polled online – and 35% of those polled via telephone – said they would expect help to arrive in less than one hour.

Because of the public’s growing reliance on social media channels as an information source, it has become increasingly clear that emergency managers have not only a unique opportunity but also an almost moral obligation to exploit the many new tools now available to reach the American people “where they are” – online, in other words.

Quick Tips & Analytic Tools – At 5,500 Tweets Per Second 

A major effort to do just that is currently underway in California, where the California Emergency Management Agency has teamed with the California Seismic Safety Commission and the California Earthquake Authority to create “Totally Unprepared” – an earthquake readiness campaign driven by the sharing of information through social media. Using popular social media websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and others, the Totally Unprepared campaign is able to deliver valuable preparedness information in a format that meshes with the needs of the online community. Through short video clips, tweets, and quick tips, users receive regular doses of information teaching them how to prepare for, react to, and respond to an earthquake.

The campaign also is attempting to grab the attention of viewers by using an interactive “fun” approach that works in stark contrast to the more standard approaches that might otherwise overwhelm and/or frighten those who need to be reached. Totally Unprepared was developed following a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, which showed that less than half of the state’s residents had taken the steps needed to prepare for an earthquake. It was clear, the study also showed, that most Californians are in fact aware of the huge risks posed by earthquakes, but the previous preparedness messages had not inspired enough of them to take the actions needed to cope with those risks.

Although there are no official numbers yet available to prove whether or not a higher percentage of Californians are now preparing for earthquakes (and/or other disasters) as a result of the Totally Unprepared campaign, it seems clear that the thrust of that message is, in fact, being both seen and heard. By using the analytic tools that are built into many social media sites, it is now possible to track how many individuals are receiving, viewing, and sharing the preparedness messages. Moreover, with hundreds of video views, new “friends,” and followers being tracked each day, it seems abundantly clear that “the official word” is getting out, and spreading at an impressive pace.

Twitter reported – to cite but one example – over 40,000 earthquake-related tweets were sent within the first minute of the Virginia earthquake – a rate of nearly 5,500 tweets per second. It is highly unlikely that government and/or any other organizations and agencies, public or private, would receive anything close to that type of response through a news release or press conference.

Controlling the Pace, Squelching the Rumors, Fulfilling an Obligation

In an emergency, information being distributed through more traditional means quickly becomes irrelevant and may quite possibly be smothered by the crush of online messages being sent at a frenzied pace. Rumors and false information can quickly dilute the facts. Without a reliable social media presence providing accurate information to temper/correct the masses of false or misleading information also being disseminated, an organization’s reputation as an information resource can suffer amongst an online community seeking answers “right now”.

A credible organization providing regular updates via social media sites can effectively control “the story” in real time, address rumors both quickly and accurately, anticipate the needs and concerns of the public, and provide accurate information throughout an incident. Social media communications can also become a valuable resource for the print and broadcast media covering an incident, thus providing an opportunity to further publicize the message.

Although there is still at least some reluctance within many emergency organizations to dive into social media environment, the value to be gained is growing more and more apparent to those agencies that are taking that additional step forward. Another factor to be considered is that, in an uncertain economic climate, it has become increasingly important to seek new opportunities to reach the public at little to no cost. Social media websites offer just such an opportunity because of their unprecedented ability to connect and communicate with a huge percentage of the population who are actively seeking the information provided by emergency management agencies.

Today, when an earthquake strikes in California, most of that state’s population understands that the best way to avoid injury is to “drop, cover, and hold on” until the shaking stops. During the Virginia quake, however, hundreds and perhaps thousands of Americans up and down the East Coast ran from their buildings, placing themselves at much greater risk – while also grabbing for their phones to tweet relatives, friends, and neighbors about what had just happened.  The quake created confusion, uncertainty, and an immediate large-scale need for information.

In the first minute following the quake, in fact, an estimated 40,000 people were on Twitter talking about what had happened – proving again what an extraordinary opportunity is now available for emergency management agencies to reach a broad audience. In an industry where information sharing is so critical, the opportunity to establish and maintain a social media presence is not one that these agencies can afford to miss. In that context, it is or should be obvious, social media networking is not simply another tool to help extend the reach of an organization but, rather, the means needed to carry out an ongoing obligation to the public that the organization is serving.

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For additional information on:

The key findings of the 2011 American Red Cross survey, visit http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/SocialMediainDisasters.pdf

The Totally Unprepared Campaign, visit http://www.totallyunprepared.com/

The study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, visit http://www.calema.ca.gov

The Drop, Cover, and Hold On Campaign, visit http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/

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.

The declaration issued by the SBA Administrator makes homeowners, renters and business owners as well as private nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County and the neighboring counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans to help cover losses they sustained in the disaster.

“We’re pleased that SBA Administrator Mills acted favorably and quickly on our request for assistance on behalf of those who homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged as a result of the winds,” said Dayton, who on December 13 asked the SBA for assistance at the direction of Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

The request for assistance from the SBA was based on the results of a preliminary damage assessment conducted on December 12 and 13 by recovery experts from Cal EMA and the SBA in conjunction with representatives of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management and several affected cities.

“We recognize that disasters like the wind storm leave an indelible mark on people’s lives,” Dayton said.   “We’re hopeful the low-interest disaster loans now available through the SBA will help put many homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered losses due to the wind storm on the road to a quick and full recovery.”

The SBA provides loans of up to $200,000 to help qualified homeowners repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  It also provides up to $40,000 to assist qualified homeowners and renters with the costs of repairing or replacing personal property that was destroyed or damaged.

Under the declaration, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits can apply for loans of up to $2 million to help cover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventories or other business assets.   The declaration also makes small businesses, most private nonprofit organizations and agriculture-related businesses eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet their disaster-related working capital needs.

Homeowners and business owners also can apply for additional loans to help pay for of improvements designed to protect against or prevent similar disaster-related damages in the future.

The application deadline for loans to help cover property damage is February 17, 2012; the deadline for EIDL applications is September 19, 2012.

Starting today at 1 p.m., SBA customer service representatives will be available at a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) located at the Pasadena Fire Department’s Headquarters, 199 S. Los Robles Avenue, Suite 550, to issue loan applications,  explain the SBA loan application process and assist applicants with their applications.  Beginning December 20, DLOC hours will operate each day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday, December 23, and resume operations on Monday, January 9.

Applications are available at the SBA’s secure Web site, https://disasterloan.sba.gov.ela.  Information and loan applications are available by phone at (800) 659-2955, email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.  Assistance for people who are deaf or hard of hearing is available at (800) 877-8339.

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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.

The request by Acting Secretary Dayton follows a State of Emergency Proclamation on Saturday by Governor Brown and the results of a joint preliminary damage assessment conducted by representatives of Cal EMA, SBA, Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management and affected cities.

If the SBA approves the request for the disaster declaration, affected homeowners, renters and business owners of all sizes in Los Angeles County and the City of Rancho Cucamonga could be eligible to apply for low-interest loans from the federal agency.

“We recognize that the windstorm had a significant impact on the lives of many residents and business owners in Los Angeles County and in Rancho Cucamonga,” said Dayton. “The preliminary damage assessment and the request to the SBA for assistance are the first steps in helping them on the road to recovery. We are committed to working with the SBA to assist them in obtaining all the federal assistance they are eligible for under the law.”

Starting earlier this week, Cal EMA and representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began assessing how the windstorm affected public facilities in Los Angeles County and the City of Rancho Cucamonga.

“We understand that emergency response costs and damages to public facilities caused by the windstorm have placed a burden on the budgets of several agencies in Los Angeles County and the City of Rancho Cucamonga and will be working diligently to help them reduce a significant portion of that burden,” said Dayton. “This week’s preliminary damage assessments are a critical step in that effort.”

In addition to directing Cal EMA to work with the SBA to possibly obtain assistance for affected homeowners, renters and business owners, the Governor ordered Caltrans to request immediate aid from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration to help pay for highway repairs or reconstruction in Los Angeles County and the City of Rancho Cucamonga and state agencies to use their resources to perform all activities consistent with the direction of Cal EMA and the State Emergency Plan.

~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.

Totally Unprepared’s quake safety expert, Susan Jekarl, takes us back to the shake table at the University of California, San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering to show viewers what will happen. The results are clear: Heather should invest in some museum putty and furniture straps before a quake decks the halls with her shattered collectibles.

Snowglobes and other decor could fall and hurt someone if not secured!

A collaborative effort between the California Emergency Management Agency, the California Seismic Safety Commission (CSSC) and the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), “Totally Unprepared” is a unique and insightful multimedia campaign which aims to help Californians better understand their risk of earthquakes and how to prepare for them.

Connect with Totally Unprepared for the latest information and resources at the following websites:

• www.totallyunprepared.com
• www.YouTube.com/weareunprepared
• www.Facebook.com/totallyunprepared
• www.Twitter.com/weareunprepared

For more information about preparing for earthquakes and other hazards, visit www.calema.ca.gov.

The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) coordinates overall state agency preparedness for, response to and recovery from major disasters. Cal EMA also maintains the State Emergency Plan, which outlines the organizational structure for state management of the response to natural and manmade disasters.

A message from CEA: With earthquake insurance from the CEA, you and your family will have the financial strength to rebuild.  Working with our network of leading insurance companies, we provide claim-paying power and expert service.  Together, we’re providing peace-of-mind no earthquake can shake. For more information, visit www.EarthquakeAuthority.com.

Editors Note: Please contact Cal EMA if interested in obtaining exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Totally Unprepared videos.

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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.

“Following a major earthquake, terrorist attack or other major emergency, firefighters and other first responders serving the affected communities will be the first ones on the scene, but will need a significant amount of assistance,” said Dayton, who observed part of the exercise with California State Fire and Rescue Chief Kim Zagaris and other fire officials.  “Knowing how to access additional resources as well as put out fires and find, rescue and treat survivors will help save lives in future emergencies.”

The exercise was based on a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off the coast of Catalina and an ensuing tsunami affecting the mythical city of Patterson.

The response began with the deployment of personnel from the Orange County Fire Authority and subsequently required support from the Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach Fire Departments, as well as California Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 5.  CA Task Force 5 is a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary team that is composed of specialists representing the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as well as fire departments and fire protection districts from Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Chino Valley, Long Beach, Montebello and Boeing.

Other resources utilized during the exercise, which was evaluated by a group of experts assembled by Cal EMA, included a Cal EMA Type-2 Urban Search and Rescue trailer assigned to the Newport Beach Fire Department that was obtained through a grant from the California Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

During the exercise, participants demonstrated a variety skills that could be required after a major  earthquake, hurricane or terrorist attack, including establishing a base of operating, searching for and extracting trapped victims, removing collapsed concrete and other debris and treating the injured.

“California is fortunate to have dedicated and well-trained firefighters, law enforcement personnel and other emergency responders, but we will need additional resources following a major earthquake, terrorist attack or other catastrophic event,” said Dayton.  “That’s why it’s important California agencies practice accessing additional resources as well as practicing the first-response skills during exercises.  The ability to utilize California’s Mutual Aid system will be critical to obtaining assistance from agencies outside affected area.

The quadrennial exercise was evaluated by a group of experts assembled by Cal EMA and funded by the State Legislature through Cal EMA Fire and Rescue Division and the California Fire Training Authority. Results of the evaluation will be shared with participating agencies and sent to the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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~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.

“According to the National Weather Service, residents in much of Northern California can expect extremely cold temperatures during the next several days,” said Cal EMA Acting Secretary Mike Dayton. “As this weather tends to be the norm throughout the winter months, it is critical that Californians recognize the risks associated with freezing temperatures and take necessary steps to prepare if they have yet to do so.”

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia and other serious health problems, particularly for seniors, infants and people with chronic conditions such as asthma and other respiratory conditions.  Cold temperatures also threaten pets that are left unprotected.

Cal EMA continues to closely monitor the weather and are prepared to implement Phase II of California’s Contingency Plan for Extreme Cold and Freeze Emergencies if conditions warrant.

Residents of areas with expectations for freezing temperatures should be aware of the following:

• Learn the signs of hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration and carbon monoxide poisoning
• Review and update emergency plans, including out-of-town contact information
• Store plenty of drinking water, food and medications
• Obtain and maintain a sufficient supply of heating oil
• Make sure portable radios and flashlights are operable and there’s an adequate supply of extra batteries
• Listen to the radio or watch television for the latest information on the weather as well as instructions from local officials
• Eat regularly
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Regularly charge devices and have back up options available if someone is dependent on equipment needing power
• Teach relatives, co-workers, classmates or neighbors to operate life-safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, breathing machines, oxygen, suction or home dialysis equipment
• Disabled or elderly may need assistance establishing support teams of people who can assist them at home, work or school
• Pre-identify options (e.g., paratransit, dial-a-ride, taxi, friend, neighbor) for transport to Warming Centers If assistance with transportation is needed
• Protect pets from the weather. Move pets indoors or into an enclosed structure
• Do not use barbecues and other cooking equipment designed for outdoor use for cooking indoors.
• Wear several layers of clothing that is loose, lightweight, warm and water repellent
• Weather mittens, rather than gloves
• Wear a hat if outdoors
• Stretch before going outside.
• Move plants indoors or cover with plastic to protect them
• Avoid overexerting if shoveling snow or doing other outdoor activity. Overexertion is a major cause of winter deaths.
• Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth while outdoors and avoid speaking unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Prevent your body from losing heat by changing from wet clothing to dry clothing as frequently as possible.
• Watch for symptoms of frostbite, including the loss of feeling, white or pale appearance in the fingers, toes, ear lobes and other extremities.  Get medical attention immediately if symptoms are noted.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia, including uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.
• Travel by car during the day only and ensure the car is fueled with sufficient gas.
• Don’t travel alone
• Let others know your schedule
• Stay on main roads

Additional safety tips and information about state response activities are available at http://www.calema.ca.gov.

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.

While Grandma recognizes the danger and moves to immediately Drop, Cover, and Hold On, Geena and the kids scramble to grab dogs and laptops and run out of the house! If that had been a real quake, they just put themselves and their dogs at great risk of injury. It’s clear that Grandma knows best, as usual.

A collaborative effort between the California Emergency Management Agency, the California Seismic Safety Commission (CSSC) and the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), “Totally Unprepared” is a unique and insightful multimedia campaign which aims to help Californians better understand their risk of earthquakes and how to prepare for them.

Connect with Totally Unprepared for the latest information and resources at the following websites:

• www.totallyunprepared.com
• www.YouTube.com/weareunprepared
• www.Facebook.com/totallyunprepared
• www.Twitter.com/weareunprepared

For more information about preparing for earthquakes and other hazards, visit www.calema.ca.gov.

The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) coordinates overall state agency preparedness for, response to and recovery from major disasters. Cal EMA also maintains the State Emergency Plan, which outlines the organizational structure for state management of the response to natural and manmade disasters.

A message from CEA: With earthquake insurance from the CEA, you and your family will have the financial strength to rebuild. Working with our network of leading insurance companies, we provide claim-paying power and expert service. Together, we’re providing peace-of-mind no earthquake can shake. For more information, visit www.EarthquakeAuthority.com.

Editors Note: Please contact Cal EMA if interested in obtaining exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Totally Unprepared videos.

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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.

“Following a national or regional emergency, the ability of federal officials to address the public through EAS and other platforms is critical for public safety,” said Mike Dayton, Acting Secretary of the California Emergency Management Agency.  “This EAS test is an excellent opportunity for local, state and federal emergency officials as well as EAS participants to identify and address potential problems in the system before another real emergency occurs.”

Quick Facts about this Nationwide Test

• Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 11:00 am (PST)
• You will hear the familiar EAS tone, a voice say “this is a test,” and potentially see a message on your television or radio
• It will last less than 4 minutes
• No action is needed or required on the part of the public

Officials say the nationwide test, as well as the common weekly and monthly EAS tests should reassure the public that local, state and federal officials are doing what they can to ensure emergency information and instructions are available.

While the public does not need to take any action during the test, Dayton urged Californians to take this opportunity to review and update their emergency plans and replenish their emergency supplies.  They may also wish to use the test as a chance to test their own emergency plans.

The nationwide EAS test is being coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service (NWS). 

Federal officials will initiate the three and half minute test from Washington, DC and it will activate EAS systems across the nation.  A “live” EAS alert will be transmitted to broadcast, cable, and satellite radio and television stations.  The test will look very much like the standard monthly local EAS tests that most people are familiar with.  Audio messages will repeat “This is a test” but video text at the bottom of the television screens may vary in each county based on the equipment of the television stations.   Once the test is completed, regular programming will resume and broadcasters, cable, and satellite providers will provide the FCC with details of their participation.

Although FEMA has not previously conducted a nationwide test of the EAS, it has twice conducted tests of the national EAS code in Alaska.

For more information, visit http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm

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~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.

One of the most recent quakes rattled nerves late Wednesday night about 23 miles north east of Truckee, California.  The 4.7 magnitude temblor did little damage, but residents in seven counties reported feeling the earth shake around 11:37 pm.  And, last week’s 3.9 magnitude quake near Berkeley was yet another wake-up call to all Californians that earthquakes can occur at any place and any time.  Experts warn that if you don’t take steps to prepare in advance, the consequences could be disastrous.

Once the ground stops shaking and you’re safe to get up from the “drop, cover and hold on” position, experts say your next steps are critical.  “Sometimes evacuations are necessary after earthquakes.  Making a list of necessities that can be retrieved in a matter of minutes, can prove very useful,” said Richard McCarthy, Executive Director for California’s Seismic Safety Commission.

Mike Dayton, Acting Secretary of Cal EMA says it’s also important to have family plans in place and know what you will do for the first 72 hours after a major quake.  “It’s just a matter of time before California gets hit by another major earthquake,” said Dayton.  “When the big one hits, it’s likely you’ll need to be on your own without power, water and other conveniences, so take some easy steps now to get prepared,” he said.

In another effort to boost personal preparedness, Cal EMA and CSSC have partnered with the California Earthquake Authority to launch the “Totally Unprepared” earthquake readiness campaign. Through weekly videos and online resources, the public is encouraged to take simple steps to get on the path to preparedness.  They’re entertaining and short videos that anyone can watch and learn.

There are lots of resources available to help you get prepared.  Check out the following websites to learn more.

•  www.seismic.ca.gov
•  www.calema.ca.gov
• www.myhazards.calema.ca.gov
• www.shakeout.org
• www.totallyunprepared.com
• www.ready.gov

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