Earthquakes are as Southern Californian as waves at the beach and traffic on the freeways. We have learned to surf the waves and navigate the freeways, and we are learning how to reduce the losses from earthquakes. We are constructing buildings that will not collapse and bridges that will sway, not break. On a personal level, we are securing belongings and water heaters to keep them from being damaged or causing injury. We are creating disaster plans and supply kits. We are making sure our homes are properly secured to their foundations. We are practicing "drop, cover, and hold on" and learning what to do after earthquakes.

There are several sections of this website, available through the links at left and above. Dare To Prepare is our Earthquake Readiness Campaign; the Spanish-language version (¡Prepárate Hoy!) can be found at terremotos.org. Earthquake Country — Los Angeles is a streaming video, also available for download, that looks at the science behind earthquakes in southern California and how to secure your space. Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country is a 32-page handbook that is available online, to download, or as printed copies available for free. Q & A provides answers to common questions about earthquakes and links to related online resources. The Earthquake Country Alliance section describes the goals and composition of the Alliance.

Breaking News: Magnitude 5.4 Earthquake in Chino Hills, CA

Other Resources:

Earthquake Shaking Potential in Southern California
A map showing the relative frequency of strong earthquake shaking in southern California. This map is part of our booklet, Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country -- download or order your copy today!

Drop, Cover, Hold On!
What to do during earthquake shaking... and what not to do.

10.5: A Miniseries with Major Errors - Aired Sat. 2/2 on SciFi
Facts about the miniseries featuring an impossible magnitude 10.5 earthquake in California