Lindsay Adler, Ontario Reign Intern
 

The Ontario Reign staff was shaken up after a 5.4 magnitude earthquake shook the Empire Towers and surrounding cities, Wednesday, July 7.  Residents of Borrego Springs (30 miles south of Palm Springs) felt the rippling effects at around 4:58pm.

The Los Angeles Times reported that last Wednesday’s earthquake was the aftermath of the 7.2 magnitude quake that hit Mexicali on Easter Sunday.  

Although a small tremor, seismologists predict that it won’t be the last.  More aftershocks are anticipated in the near future while much larger quakes are inevitable; after all, California rests on three active tectonic plate zones.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department has been taking numerous steps to help residents prepare themselves for future quakes.  These steps include educating families about the importance of family disaster plans, keeping food, water and supplies in their homes, and obtaining proper emergency supplies kits.

Lists of common earthquake tips that have been distributed to local residents include:
•    Drop, cover and Hold On!
•    When in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, move against an interior wall if you are not near a desk or table.  Protect your head and neck with your arms.  Do not use the elevators.
•    When OUTDOORS, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.
•    When on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster and other debris.
•    When DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop.  Avoid overpasses and power lines.  Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.
•    When in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACE, move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.  Do not rush for the exit.
•    When in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in your seat, get below the level of the back of the seat and cover your head and neck with your arms.

Millions of Californians are also participating in the Great California ShakeOut, an event designed to raise earthquake awareness and disaster prevention.  This year it will be held on Oct. 21 at 10:21 a.m.

Click here if you or someone you know is interested in registering for the Great California ShakeOut.

For more information about earthquake safety and awareness, contact San Bernardino County Fire Department Public Information Officer Megan Blaney at (909) 855-0035 or click here to visit their site.

Please visit the local American Red Cross Inland Empire Chapter site for further information.