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Earthquakes

Every year California experiences approximately 500 earthquakes that are large enough to be detected and felt by local residents.

Since Orange County has a number of seismic faults, earthquakes are almost an expected part of living here. Residents should be prepared by identifying safe places in each room of their homes and taking other precautions such as securing furniture and checking for gas leaks.

Learn more:

• Download free earthquake preparedness guides from Dare to Prepare and know how to secure furniture in your home, secure your building and be safe when it shakes.
• Watch videos of earthquake simulations, sign up for an annual earthquake drill and check out regional hazard maps at The Great California Shakeout.
• Get the latest statistics on earthquakes at the Southern California Earthquake Data Center and check out their latest video.
• Prepare your home by noting earthquake precautions at Ready.gov’s Earthquake section.
• Read the ScienceDude’s blog for the latest on Orange County earthquakes.
• Sign up for earthquake alerts at United States Geological Survey (USGS).
• Tell the U.S. Geological Survey if you’ve felt an earthquake
• Download the American Red Cross Earthquake Tip Sheet to learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake
• Be informed about earthquake faults in Orange County by downloading the 2010 California Fault Activity Map