According to a study released Friday Southern California is overdue for a major earthquake along the San Andreas fault.

The long-awaited study came after scientists spent years studying the geology of the Carrizo Plain area of the San Andreas, which is about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles. It found that earthquakes along the San Andreas fault have occurred far more often than previously believed.

One researcher commented: “People should not stick their heads in the ground. There are storm clouds gathered on the horizon. Does that mean it’s definitely going to rain? No, but when you have that many clouds, you think, ‘I’m going to take my umbrella with me today.’ That’s what this research does: It gives us a chance to prepare.”

Preparing means a few things:

1. Getting the facts. Understand what can happen in your area and what affect it could have on you.

2. Learn about what resources are available in your area if a disaster should strike

3. Make a plan. Talk to your family and make a plan as to what you will do in the event of an emergency. Will you shelter in place? Will you need to evacuate? If so…where will you go and what route will you take? Have your plan include what you will do if you are apart.

4. Consider buying an earthquake kit or other emergency preparedness kit. Now is the time…don’t wait until something happens to figure out you don’t have the supplies you need.

While many studies are being done….earthquakes don’t give advance warning. They can strike at anytime. Taking some time to prepare now can pay off in dividends later.

Preparedness is something we all need to take personal responsibility for. By being prepared, we free up important resources, making it much easier for our first responders to assist those who are in the greatest need.

Personal preparedness can extend to helping neighbors and friends. It is  more likely that your friends or neighbors will reach you first, than emergency responders.

It is important to prepare now before something happens. Your family may not be together when an emergency happens and you may not have access to cell phones, gas for your vehicle, supermarkets orother things that you are used to having every day.

Make a plan, Get an emergency supply kit, Stay informed of situations in your area.

Disasters can happen at any time, so it is important for you to be prepared at places where you spend time. This includes your home, your office, and in your car. Get the right survival gear and make sure you have enough for everyone.

You should also have an understanding of local hazards and the appropriate response individuals and families should take during an emergency situation. Think about what may happen in your community.

When people think of “preparedness” they often think of being ready for major events like a hurricane, earthquake or tornado. For most of us..these are situations we will likely never have to face. However, there are things that can happen to all of us during the course of our everyday life that we can and should be better prepared for. I am certainly not talking about running around paranoid all day. I am simply suggesting that is you take a little time and do a little preparing you will face some of these “what if’s” a little better.

Some examples of things we could all face:

*A broken down car (Do you have flares, a flashlight, a flat tire fixer)

*A fire in the home or office (Do you have extinguishers, detectors, escape ladders)

*An injury at or away from home (Do you have a first aid kit or supplies)

*A blackout (So you have candles, flashlights, matches, lanterns)

*Child proofing a home

*A robbery either of our home, office or vehicle

*Someone choking or in need of CPR

*A lost child or elderly person

Preparedness is a broad topic and one we shouldn’t be afraid to think about. Having the right emergency plan, emergency kit, preparedness supplies and taking the time to think about what you might do is a great step and one that will make you feel more at ease.

Please share your story here on how being prepared helped you with a specific situation.

September is National Preparedness Month. It is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council. It is held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities.

This is a great time to take a look at your own personal level of preparedness. It is also a good time to sit down with family members, business associates and friends to discuss these important topics.

Some things to think about and discuss:

*What types of events may happen in your area

*Putting together plans for how to deal with each situation.

*Plans for evacuating or sheltering in place

*What supplies and/or emergency kits should you have on hand

*How to deal with a situation where people may be separted

*How you plan on communicating

*Does your office, neighborhood or community have any plans in place

*Putting together a preparedness checklist

If you have taken the steps to better preparedness this is a great opportunity to share what you have done with others and encourage them to do the same. If you have any special knowledge or skills you could consider organizing your own preparedness awareness event in your area.

Just some of the main items you should have in your emergency kit

• Water and water purification tablets (at least a 3 day supply)
• Food Bars (high in calories, but make sure the ingredients are safe for you to eat based on any medical conditions)
• Radio (battery operated or hand cranked)
• Flashlight (preferably one that doesn’t require any batteries)
• Emergency candle (one that will last for 30 hours or more)
• Waterproof matches and lighter
• Whistle (to help rescuers and others find you if you’re stuck in your home or other location)
• Emergency sleeping bag (these are compact and lightweight)
• Lightweight poncho
• Multi-function knife
• Dust mask (N95)
• Hygiene kit ( including items such as toothpaste, toothbrush and deodorant)
• Tissue packs
• First aid kit (including alcohol pads and bandages of varying sizes)
• Entertainment (cards, pencil, notepad)
• Waste bag
• Some cash in case ATM’s aren’t working or available

You should also be sure to add personal items specific to your needs. This can include prescription glasses, contact lenses, medicines you require or any other items you would like to have with you. It is also a good idea to keep a list of emergency contacts and at least a copy of important documents.

Please add your comments here if there are items you think should be added.