Hidden Hills

Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquake
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE BIG ONE?
Staying Safe in Hidden Hills During an Earthquake

As Californians, we must always be alert and prepared for an earthquake. They can happen at any time, without warning, posing a threat to homes, roads, and lives. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides, and other dangerous situations.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for an earthquake:

  • Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON or LOCK, COVER and HOLD ON drills at home and at work.
  • Create an emergency plan at work and at home that includes how to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated. Frequently re-familiarize yourself with evacuation routes.
  • Make a disaster supply kit that includes enough food, water and medications for at least 10 days.
  • Secure high-value, breakable and heavy items. Anchor expensive artwork, sculptures, and collectibles to prevent damage or injury during shaking. Install earthquake-resistant mounts and display cases for fragile or rare items like antique furniture or glassware.
  • Protect Home Automation and Smart Systems. Secure smart home devices and ensure backup power is available for automated systems, including lighting, HVAC, and security systems. Test emergency protocols on smart systems, such as remote door locks or window shutters, to ensure they function during outages.
  • Home and property reinforcement. Conduct a seismic assessment of your property and/or invest in retrofitting larger homes or estates, particularly for unique architectural features like tall ceilings, grand staircases, or expansive glass walls.
  • Secure outdoor structures like pergolas, gazebos, or poolside cabanas to withstand shaking. Inspect and stabilize private tennis courts, fountains, and other recreational features.
  • Train household staff in earthquake preparedness, including evacuation procedures and protecting valuable assets. Establish clear communication plans, including designated meeting points and emergency contacts.
  • Equip homes with automatic gas shut-off valves to prevent leaks and fires. Install whole-home backup generators to maintain power for critical systems during outages.
  • Regularly inspect long driveways for earthquake vulnerabilities. Have alternative access routes planned in case primary roads are blocked.
  • Maintain comprehensive earthquake insurance for high-value homes, including coverage for luxury finishes, rare materials, and expensive contents. Document all high-value assets to streamline claims in case of damage.

Staying safe after an earthquake:

  • Expect aftershocks to follow a large earthquake.
  • Check yourself for injury and aid others.
  • Don’t enter damaged buildings and if you are in one, leave only when instructed to do so.
  • If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, seek higher ground.
  • Monitor local news reports via radio, television, social media, and cell phone alerts.

Helpful contacts:

  • Downed powerline: call 9-1-1 and leave the area.
  • Report a power outage: call your power utility. SCE can be reached at 1-800-611-1911. DWP can be reached at 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
  • Need shelter: call 2-1-1.
  • Downed tree: call LA County Public Works at 800-676-HELP (4357). In the City of LA, call 3-1-1.
  • Great Shakeout: join millions of people across California practicing earthquake safety each October 17th.

For additional tips and resources on how to prepare for storm season, visit ready.lacounty.gov. Please visit alert.lacounty.gov to register for emergency alerts.