• Comments (5)

    • 3
      Jordan Feldstein - November 12, 2017

      > If it’s safe to do so, turn off your electrical breakers.
      > …
      > Update your voicemail intro with a message that you’re OK and what you’re planning to do.

      Never would have thought of either of these! Thanks

      • 7
        John AdamaStaff - November 13, 2017

        Thanks for saying so! I love things like the voicemail tip. So simple yet so easy and effective.

    • 8
      Jonnie PekelnyContributor - October 20, 2019

      Thanks for this necessary (but terrifying) guide. I’m in Northern California and went through the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 (which I think was 7.1 not 6.9?) I wasn’t scared while it was happening or immediately aftrerward, oddly enough, but any feeling of an earthquake coming on pretty much terrifies me now. Could you say more about what we’re supposed to do when we’re outside when the earthquake hits? I can’t quite imagine how we’re supposed to get away from buildings and trees and power lines while being in an urban area. I live on a moderately sized residential street. The only place even remotely away from buildings and trees is in the middle of the street, but it doesn’t seem like a good idea to hunker down in the middle of potential panicky traffic.

      • 6
        John AdamaStaff - October 25, 2019

        We try to write/teach in “stem cells” that are easy to remember because it’s too difficult to explain through every combination of scenarios. Since the primary thing to remember during the shaking is “things are falling!”, when that moment strikes, the first thing you’d want to be aware of is your surroundings.

        So try to practice/visualize that reaction when the shaking starts. Next time you’re thinking of it outside, look around and figure out where the best place to get to within a few seconds would be that would give you better distance or protection from things falling.

        If I was outside in Manhattan, my first reaction would be to get to the middle of the street or a park. If I still felt close to overhead things, I’d get to the best spot I could and keep an eye upward.

        There’s almost always somewhere you can get to that’s better than where you’re standing. But in the end, life is rarely perfect.

    • 4
      brekke - March 30, 2021

      ShakeAlert became available in Oregon this month. Very exciting progress towards preparedness in this state.