Are you ready?

As part of an ongoing effort to educate residents in emergency preparedness, the City of Mission Viejo is offering detailed information through the Emergency Survival Program (ESP).  This guide features monthly topics, historical information and what you can do now to prepare. October’s focus is on earthquakes.

In addition to the San Andreas Fault, the longest fault in the region, there are more than 300 other faults in Southern California that may cause damaging earthquakes. Most everyone lives within 30 miles of one of these faults. When earthquakes on these faults are in populated areas, the losses can be substantial. The Northridge earthquake in 1994 caused more than 33 deaths, more than 9,000 injuries, and $40- $42 billion in losses. No one knows when or where such a quake will occur, but everyone can reduce their risk of death, injury and property loss in an earthquake by following the “Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety.”  Steps such as fixing potential hazards in your home; making a disaster plan; and creating a disaster supplies kit can go a long way to protecting you, your family and property.

Read the Seven Steps and find out more about preparing for emergencies at https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/police-services/emergency-preparedness.