Personal Preparedness - Why Prepare for Disaster?

Earthquakes are the largest and most complex disaster we will have to face. But it doesn’t take an earthquake to cause disruptions to city services at any time for any number of reasons. If you and your neighbors are prepared for an earthquake, you'll be better able to handle the consequences of other unexpected events, including severe weather, power outages and terrorism.

Start planning now to take care of yourself and your family for at least three days. Know that after a major catastrophe, it may take more than three days to open a shelter in your area, restore basic city services such as electricity, natural gas and water, or re-open streets and bridges.