1. Earthquake Preparedness
Be Prepared. Stay Alive.
David Wei, MBA
Accident Prevention Specialist
UCLA EH&S

2. Overview
Earthquake - Basics
Earthquakes - History
Earthquakes - Myths Dispelled
Earthquake Preparedness
Resources

3. How do earthquakes occur?
Earthquakes occur because of movement at a fault - a
place where two slabs of rock are sliding past each
other.
Japan 2004

4. 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake
October 17 4:15 p.m.
6.9 Richter
San Francisco /
Santa Cruz
Mountains

5. 1989 - Loma Prieta

6. 1994 Northridge Earthquake
January 17, 4:30 a.m.
6.7 Richter

7. Myth Dispelled #1
You can predict earthquakes

8. Myth Dispelled #2
Animals can predict
earthquakes

9. Myth Dispelled #3
There is earthquake
weather

10. Most Deadly Earthquakes
Year Location Deaths
Magnitude
1976 China 7.5 655,000
1927 China 7.7 200,000
1923 Japan 7.9 143,000
1908 Italy 6.9 110,000
1920 China 8.3 100,000
1932 China 7.6 70,000
1970 Peru 8.0 54,000
1990 Iran 7.9 50,000
1935 Pakistan 8.1 30,000
1939 Turkey 7.7 30,000

11. Most Powerful Earthquakes
Year Location Deaths
Magnitude
1960 China 9.3 22,000
1964 Alaska 9.2 130
1952 Kamchatka 9.0 0
1965 8.7 0
Aleutian Islands
1922 Chile 8.7 0
1957 8.6 0
Aleutian Islands
1950 8.6 1,500
India-China border
1906 Ecuador 8.6 500
Kuril Islands
1963 8.6 0
1923 Alaska 8.5 0

12. Comparison of earthquake
magnitude and severity
The most powerful earthquakes are not necessarily
the most deadly - several other factors play a
part ...
their location
types of soil
structure of buildings
population density
Your Behavior!!!

14. Tip #1: Fix the hazards
a.TV’s, Furniture
b. Water heaters
c. Hazardous materials

15. Tip #2: Prepare a Disaster Plan
a.Practice “Duck, cover, and
hold on”
b. Locate Utility Shutoff Valves Gas shutoff
Water shutoff
Power
Shutoff
c. Establish a Meeting Place

16. Tip #3:
Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit
a. Medicines (Rx)
b. Food/water
c. Whistle
d. Personal ID
e. First Aid Kits
= Bandages, Knuckle Bandages, Triangle Bandages, Ace Bandages, Gauze Tape, First Air
Tape, Antibiotic Ointment, Gloves, Cold Packs, Scissors, Tweezers, Absorbent
Compresses.

17. Tip #4: Know Your Area
At work:
I know where exit routes, fire extinguishers and first
aid kits are in my work area.
I know the danger spots - windows, mirrors, hanging
objects, fireplaces and tall furniture.
I know the safe spots in each room - under sturdy
tables, desks or against inside walls.
At home:
I know where to shut off the water, power and gas
and I have access to the necessary tools.

18. How prepared are you for a
future earthquake?
At home:
At work:
The water heater is strapped to the wall
We have established disaster plan and
have discussed it
Anything that would have fallen on my
head has been secured to the wall
I have assembled supplies and have
them stored at my desk
I have emergency lighting stored and
ready to use
I carry a list of important phone
numbers in my wallet, including the
I have stored emergency food and
number of my out of state family
water supplies
contact
I have a portable radio and batteries
We conduct regular practice drills, and
have an established meeting place in We have decided where we will reunite
the event of an evacuation if separated

19. Shakeout! November 13th, 2008.
Knowing How to React
Develop a workplace and a family disaster plan
Get training in first aid/ CPR and in how to use a fire extinguisher
Look for safe places inside and outside of all buildings where you spend time
If you are indoors when the shaking starts - Duck, Cover and Hold On
If you are outdoors in an earthquake, stay outside and move away from buildings and
power lines. Crouch down and protect your head
Wait until the shaking stops before attempting to exit the building if necessary
Be on the lookout for fires
In high-rise building, the fire alarms and sprinklers may activate even if there is no fire;
double check and extinguish small fires if trained to do so
If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use the stairs not the elevator
Expect aftershocks, and plan where you will take cover when they occur

20. Resources
UCLA Environment, Health & Safety
Injury & Illness Prevention Program
ehs.ucla.edu
UCLA Emergency Management
map.ais.ucla.edu/go/Emergency%20Management
County of Los Angeles
Emergency Preparedness and Response Program
www.labt.org

21. Resources
Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC)
emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes

22. Questions?