Fullerton College Prepares for Next Big Earthquake

Are you prepared when “The Big One” strikes? California is prone to earthquakes and Fullerton is close to two active faults–Whittier and Newport-Inglewood. The Whittier Fault goes through the Brea Canyon and can generate a magnitude seven earthquake. Since Californians live on a plate boundary that is constantly moving, there isn’t a week that goes by when there isn’t an earthquake. We probably don’t feel them given the small magnitude. A large earthquake in the eight-magnitude range will cause the ground to shake harder and for an extended period of time. Plus, with large earthquakes, people need to be aware of aftershocks.

Earthquake safety will be the talk of the entire state on Oct. 20, which marks the annual Great ShakeOut drill. Fullerton College will use the Great ShakeOut this Thursday as an opportunity to test the Cisco phone system and the mass emergency communications system that sends text messages, voicemail, and e-mail. Students and employees are encouraged to review and update their contact information in myGateway to ensure they receive these messages. A full evacuation drill will not be conducted this year.

The Great ShakeOut brings together millions of people together on a topic one day of the year, however, preparedness should be something you think of often. While there isn’t a way to accurately predict an earthquake, there are several things you can do to prepare for one. An emergency preparedness kit is the number one thing people should consider to prepare for an earthquake, according to Fullerton College Geology Professor Rick Lozinsky.

“Earthquakes have the potential to cause property damage and injury,” Lozinsky said. “An emergency preparedness kit helps people sustain themselves if they lose access to power and water.”

Lozinsky recommends including the following in an earthquake preparedness kit: medical supplies, medications, food, water, and enough supplies to sustain yourself and everyone in your household for 48 to 72 hours.

During an earthquake, experts recommend one should drop, cover, and hold on. Once the ground stops shaking, you should move away from any buildings.

Fullerton College has been actively preparing for earthquakes by securing large cabinets and bookcases, including stronger bookcases in the Library, and having a designated Building Marshal responsible in each building. Plus, the college has Emergency Evacuation Chairs, more commonly referred to as Stryker Chairs, located in every building with more than one story. Stryker Chairs are utilized to evacuate people who use wheelchairs from the building.

For a complete guide and tips on how to prepare for a significant earthquake, visit ShakeOut.