Tremor tips

On October 18, millions of Californians took part in the annual Great California ShakeOut, practicing how to react during an earthquake. This may seem like a waste of time in the North State, but consider this projection from the California Earthquake Authority: Butte County, within 20 miles of an active fault, has a 76 percent chance of a 7.0-magnitude temblor within the next 30 years. In addition to step five (below), for during a tremor, the Southern California Earthquake Center at the University of Southern California recommends pre-quake measures and post-quake skills to improve your chance of survival.

1. Secure your space: Fasten heavy objects and furniture to walls and move them away from areas where people sleep and sit.

2. Plan to be safe: Create a disaster and communication plan.

3. Organize disaster supplies: Keep kits in your home, car and workplace.

4. Minimize financial hardship: Collect important documents in one place, strengthen your property and consider earthquake insurance.

5. Drop, cover and hold on: During an earthquake, drop to your knees, cover your head and hold on until the shaking stops.

6. Improve safety: Immediately after an earthquake, evacuate unsafe structures, help the injured and prevent further injuries or damage

7. Reconnect and recover: Follow your disaster plan. Reconnect with others, repair damage and rebuild your community.

Further information: earthquakecountry.org