Welcome to Santa Cruz County Office of Emergency Services
 

495 Upper Park Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone: (831) 458-7150
Fax: (831) 458-7139

 

Office Hours:
M-F 8:00 a.m to 12:00 Noon
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Earthquake Preparedness
  Collapsing HouseCollapsing Road
 

Earthquakes are a fact of life here in California. The Office of Emergency Services is glad to provide this information so that all citizens in the County can prepare their homes and workplaces for a possible disaster. 
 

Before the Quake

Develop a family earthquake plan. Prepare yourself, your family and your home by completing the activities on this checklist.

  • Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated

  • Choose an out of state contact that separated family members can call to report their whereabouts and condition.

  • Know the safe spots in each room: under sturdy tables, desks or against inside walls.

  • Know the danger spots in your home: windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall unsecured furniture.

  • Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself in safe locations.

  • Learn CPR and First Aid from your local Red Cross chapter.  Red Cross Information .

  • Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.

  • Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case lines are damaged. (Safety note: Do not attempt to relight gas pilot. Call your local utility company).

  • Check roofs, chimneys, walls, foundations for stability. Make sure your house is bolted to its foundation.

  • Secure water heater and appliances that could move enough to rupture utility lines.

  • Keep breakables and heavy objects on  bottom shelves.

  • Secure heavy, tall furniture that can topple, such as bookcases, china cabinets or wall units.

  • Secure hanging plants and heavy picture frames or mirrors (especially mirrors over beds).

  • Put latches on cabinet doors to keep them closed during shaking.

  • Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest sprays, or cleaning products in cabinets or secured on lower shelves.

  • Maintain emergency food, water, and other supplies, including a flashlight, a portable battery operated radio, extra batteries, medicines, first aid kit and clothing.
 

During the Quake

  • If indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table or stand in a corner.

  • If outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.

  • If in a high rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a table. Do not use elevators.

  • If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside until shaking is over.

  • If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
 

After the Quake

Check for injuries. Apply first aid. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger. Do not use the telephone immediately unless there is a serious injury or fire. Hunt for hazards:

Apartments Collapsing

  • Check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines. If there is damage, turn utility off at the source.

  • Check buildings for cracks and damage, including roof, chimney and foundation.

  • Check food and water supplies. Emergency water may be obtained from water heaters, melted ice cubes, toilet tanks and canned vegetables.

  • Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports. Cooperate fully with public safety officials.

  • Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.

  • Be prepared for aftershocks.

  • Stay calm and lend a hand to others.

  • If you evacuate, post a message inside your home telling family members where you can be found.
 

The County of Santa Cruz makes no representations or warrants as to the suitability of this information for your particular purpose, and that to the extent you use or implement this information in your own setting you do so at your own risk. The information provided herewith is solely for your own use and cannot be sold. In no event will the County of Santa Cruz be liable for any damages whatsoever, whether direct, consequential, incidental, special or on claim for attorney fees arising out of the use of or inability to use the information provided herewith.


You can email us at Office of Emergency Service