Earthquake Tips for Commuters and Public Transit Riders

An earthquake can happen at any time and at any place. That’s why it is best to not only be prepared at home, at work, and at school, but also in transit.

In this month’s bulletin, the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department shares tips on earthquake preparation and safety tips for commuters and public transit riders.

Have emergency supplies in your car. Include items such as:

• Basic first aid kit.
• Bottled water, non-perishable food like nuts and energy bars, and extra medication.
• Flashlight with extra batteries, basic toolkit, shovel and utility gloves.
• An extra change of clothes including a jacket, tennis shoes and a blanket.

If you take public transportation make sure you carry:

• Mini flashlight.
• Water, extra medication, and a non-perishable snack like nuts or an energy bar.
• Hard copy of important contact numbers in case your phone is lost, stolen or the battery dies.

Quake safety tips for public transit riders before the shaking starts:

• Look around and observe your surroundings on your commute each day. Some pathways, areas and places may be safer than others.
• Notice stairs and exits.
• Read posted emergency signs and procedures at transit station, bus stop or platforms.

When the shaking starts on public transit:

• If on a bus or train, stay where you are, hold on and protect your head and neck.
• If at a transit station, bus stop or platform, drop to ground, cover your head and neck with your arms. If necessary, get under something for protection and hold on until the shaking stops.

After the shaking stops:

• Check yourself for injury.
• Assist others if you can.
• Listen for verbal directions from the driver or over the public address system.
• Prepare for possible aftershocks.

Additional Resources:

• Ready.gov http://www.ready.gov/car
• ReadyLA http://readyla.org/

“As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.”