Great California ShakeOut: How to Stay Safe During An Earthquake

It's been awhile since California has had a major earthquake, but as the earthquake swarm at the Salton Sea of late reminds us, we're due for the "big one."

"California is earthquake country. We must always be prepared and not let our guard down," Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci said. "The threat of an earthquake on the San Andreas Fault hasn't gone away, so this is another important opportunity for us to revisit our emergency plans and learn what steps you need to take if a significant earthquake hits."

So, do you know what to do before, during and after an earthquake? Experts say people in earthquake prone areas should learn what to do before a major earthquake strike.

Even though Californians were taught from birth what to do during an earthquake, it's always good to practice before the "big one" hits so that it will become second nature. You can practice by participating in the Great California ShakeOut, which is scheduled at 10:20 a.m. Oct. 20, 1016.

So far, 10.2 million people have registered to participate in what organizers are calling the world's largest earthquake drill.

Beyond the drill, here are what the experts at the U.S. Geological Survey say you should do to prepare:

1. Make sure each member of your family knows what to do no matter where they are when earthquakes occur:

• Establish a meeting place where you can all reunite afterward.
• Find out about earthquake plans developed by children's school or daycare.
• Remember transportation may be disrupted, so keep some emergency supplies -- food, liquids, and comfortable shoes, for example -- at work.

2. Know where your gas, electric and water main shutoffs are and how to turn them off if there is a leak or electrical short. Make sure older members of the family can shut off utilities.

3. Locate your nearest fire and police stations and emergency medical facility.

4. Talk to your neighbors--how could they help you, or you them after an earthquake?

5. Take Red Cross First Aid and CPR Training Course.

6. Make your disaster supply kit. Beyond the usual flashlights, batteries and radios, include a first-aid kit; work gloves; sturdy shoes or boots; a week’s supply of any prescription medications you or your family might need; credit card and cash; personal identification; extra set of keys; matches in a waterproof container; map of your area; phone numbers of family and other important people (doctors, veterinarians, etc.); copies of insurance policies and other important documents; special needs equipment (diapers, baby formula, hearing aid batteries; spare eyeglasses, etc.); three gallons of water per person; three-day supply of food per person; hand tools; a portable ABC fire extinguisher; sanitation supplies for you and your family; entertainment (toys, books, coloring books and crayons, playing cards)

7: Bolt bookcases, china cabinets, tall furniture, file cabinets, etc. to wall studs. Brace or anchor heavy electronics and other heavy items. Secure items that might fall. Move heavy or fragile items to lower shelves. Fasten drawers and cabinet doors with latches or locks. Brace overhead light fixtures. Strap your water heater to wall studs and bolt down any gas appliances.

To learn more about how to prepare for an earthquake, visit ShakeOut.org. The website also has information on how to hold a drill for schools, businesses and homes, as well as other resources and specific safety recommendations for people with disabilities or other access and functional needs.

-- Photo courtesy of FEMA.