Surviving the Big One in L.A.

“In Los Angeles, we are no strangers to earthquakes,” says Natalie Schaal, assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the LMU Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering. In fact, there are several major fault lines criss-crossing Los Angeles, with the infamous San Andreas Fault bordering the San Gabriel Mountains, capable of a magnitude-8 temblor. Most Californians live within 30 miles of an active fault, and the California Earthquake Authority reports a greater than 99% chance of a seismic event of a magnitude 6.7 or stronger in the next 30 years. Schaal researches how earthquakes start. “These geophysical events,” she explains, “typically start tens of miles below the Earth’s surface, when stuck or slowly moving portions of the fault suddenly transition into fast sliding, producing seismic waves that travel to the surface to shake our neighborhoods.”

Buildings
In a severe earthquake when structural damages are apparent (partial or full collapse of walls, joists or columns, and major shifting of foundations), the most important thing to do is to take cover until the earthquake shaking stops. Afterward, find a safe public shelter until the local government dispatches safety assessment evaluators to assist in the home recovery process.
Sunai Kim
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science,
LMU Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering

Crisis Response
Significant earthquakes can displace ocean water, causing a tsunami. If you are on the coast, a tsunami is likely imminent if you feel severe ground-shaking, hear unusually loud ocean roar or see the ocean water recede significantly. Without any delay and as soon as it is safe to do so quickly move inland or to higher ground.
Devra Schwartz
Vice President for Campus Safety and Security

Fires
When earthquakes break natural gas or electrical power lines, fires can result. That’s a serious problem, especially if the water system that feeds the fire hydrants is damaged or nonoperational. Know where your electrical, gas and water shutoffs are located, how to turn them off, and which tools do the job. And keep a fire extinguisher in your home.
Malcolm Dicks ’94
Fire Captain, L.A. County Fire Department

Medical
In a major earthquake, Los Angeles could face two health issues found in some less developed countries: water and sanitation. Locate and secure your water supplies. Humans can survive a long time without food but only days without water. Don’t underestimate sanitation concerns: I have a simple portable commode in my garage and a supply of hand sanitizer.
Dan Hyslop, M.D.
Medical Director, Student Health Services

Water
Because the state water supply system is dependent on the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta as its heart, an earthquake hundreds of miles away can still threaten water supply in the state. Failed levees might cause saltwater intrusion that threatens the state’s drinking water. Keeping fresh water in a 50-gallon water barrel could help support your family in this scenario.
Laura Doyle ’03
Lecturer in Engineering, Stanford University

Wireless Networks
Wireless technology remains dependent on backbone systems, including cell towers. Even if infrastructure is intact, wireless systems will likely be limited by network congestion, outages or battery life of devices. Satellite phones and wireless mesh networks are promising technologies but not yet widely available. Major carriers are reportly investing heavily in disaster preparation, so service may be restored quickly.
Lei Huang
Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science,
LMU Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering