The Big One: Is Los Angeles truly prepared for an earthquake?

Damaged Kaiser Medical Building in the Northridge Reseda area of Los Angeles after 1994 earthquakeBy Joseph Sohm From Shutterstock

In Los Angeles County, seismic activity varies from mild to moderate occasionally throughout the year; however, earthquakes are more frequent in Southern California, averaging 6.0 degrees or higher. No one can anticipate when a major earthquake will hit, so we are unsure how much damage could cause and how much Los Angeles could recover if a major earthquake hit.

What is the "Big One," and what are the risks of Los Angeles?

The Big One involves a devastating earthquake, which must have already occurred, according to seismologists."

In the region of the active and massive San Andreas fault that extends throughout California, from north to south, approximately 1,300 km, and borders the North American Pacific shelf, are important cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Bernardino, built around the active fault.

In 2019, fear was unleashed in southern California with a magnitude 7.1 earthquake."

Just one day later, the same place registered a 6.4 magnitude earthquake

Experts say that, from time to time, Californians should remember that the dreaded "Big One" will come at some point as the highest level of danger would be in this state. Geologists have indicated that it can be powerful on a scale of Richer with a fatal magnitude greater than 8.0.

More than 300 faults in the state's south can cause catastrophic earthquakes that affect more than 30 million people. "It is not a question of whether a major earthquake will occur, but when," said the scientists who investigated the region.

How is Los Angeles preparing?

Photo shows damage from the Inglewood Earthquake which occurred on June 21, 1920. The Hotel Inglewood in Inglewood.Contributor: Bain News Service

In late 2018, the mobile user alert system was deployed in Los Angeles, with the rest of California the following suit in late 2019. Mobile phone customers in Oregon began receiving warnings from the mobile phone system in March as an early warning for earthquakes

The United States Earthquake Early Warning System will send notifications to mobile phone users everywhere on the continental United States' west coast."

The United States has been sluggish to establish an early warning system for earthquakes. For years, systems of this sort have existed in Japan, Taiwan, and Mexico, and their growth generally begins or accelerates after large numbers of people are killed or injured in prior earthquakes. On the other hand, the US system eventually gained bipartisan political backing without the need for a fatal earthquake, thanks to a donation from the Palo Alto-based Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

The city of Los Angeles formerly had its own ShakeAlertLA early warning system, the first mobile app of its type. But towards the end of last year, it was withdrawn, with municipal authorities recommending that customers download the MyShake App.

Although you might think that everyone is prepared for a possible event in a seismic zone, this is not always the case

The seismologist Lucy Jones told the Los Angeles Times: "It's a substantial reduction of danger for Los Angeles if that's accurate.''

Be Aware

You may listen to a roaring sound that progressively becomes stronger during an earthquake. Also, you might experience a rolling feeling that begins gradually but quickly becomes severe. Alternatively, you might be startled by a strong jolt. You may feel shaky and find it difficult to stand up or walk from one room to another a second or two later.

Prepare Yourself

Learn where the safe zones are in your rooms. A secure location may be beneath a strong table away from walls or under the covers with a pillow over your head if you're already in bed.

If you have children, have the entire family rehearse an earthquake drill. Participating in an earthquake drill will prepare you and your loved ones for what to do if you are not present during an earthquake.

We must be clear: Los Angeles, the state of California, and any area near a tectonic fault must be prepared and trained for a possible earthquake. Information is the best way to prepare for a possible event. For more advice, you can visit the "Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention" page.

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