The San Andreas fault line runs through 800 miles of the state of California. The fault line is located where the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate meet. Due to these tectonic plates, California is prone to many earthquakes. Earthquakes are the abrupt shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of the earth's crust or volcanic action. Earthquakes can cause buildings and heavy items to collapse, resulting in serious injuries. As a safety measure, federal and state agencies have information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
Resources
California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) - Earthquake Preparedness
Information on earthquake programs and preparedness for California residents.
Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Before, During, and After an Earthquake
Information on earthquake preparedness.
Earthquake Country Alliance - Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
Guide to stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Earthquake Information Sheet
(PDF)
General information on earthquakes.
FEMA - Training for California Earthquakes
Online course developed from FEMA P-593 to promote seismic rehabilitation of one to two-family dwellings, identifying common seismic vulnerabilities, and identifying rehabilitation approaches and available guidelines.
Ready.gov - Earthquakes
General information on earthquake and preparedness.
Ready.gov Kids - Earthquakes
Information for
kids on how to stay safe during an earthquake.