How Do you deal with earthquakes? (californians plz answer!)?

I have never felt an earthquake, and if i live where i do now forever (east coast chick =) chances are i never will. i was considering to move somewhere on the west coast someday, but im terrified of the earthquakes and that will always stop me. the most i know about earthquakes in CA is by watching full house;; anyways... how do you guys deal and prepare? ae there warnings on tv?How Do you deal with earthquakes? (californians plz answer!)?
I lived in Ca for 18 years and have experienced a several earthquakes. No, we do not have any wornings. The best thing you can do is simply know what to do when you feel one, find a place to hide in a door way or another place that is strong. (In case the building falls) I have never been hurt or had any really bad after math other then a few broken glasses or such.


Get over your fear any go to Cali! I miss it so much being on the east coast nowHow Do you deal with earthquakes? (californians plz answer!)?
There is no way to predict earthquakes. Therefore, there are no warnings on TV.





In the 9 years I have lived in LA, there have been a few trembles but nothing so serious that anything was ever knocked off a shelf or anything. If you are driving during one, you never even notice it.





However, to prepare, we are told to keep three days supply of food and water on hand. So I have four one gallon jugs of water and a crate with a dozen MREs in it (military field rations).





As for being worried, here in greater LA, we have more people die in traffic accidents in a month than have ever died here from earthquakes in the last 100 years.
There are ways to prepare for a quake:


* Fasten shelves securely to walls, and place heavy objects on lower shelves.


* Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets.


* Hang items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds and anywhere people sit.


* Brace hanging light fixtures.


* Repair known defective electrical wiring and gas connections.


* Strap your water heater to studs in the wall and bolt it to the floor.


* Repair any large existing cracks in walls or foundations.


* Store poisons such as pesticides and herbicides, as well as flammable liquids, on bottoms shelves of latched cabinets.


* Identify safe places in each room (under sturdy furniture, against inside walls, away from glass).


* Locate safe places outdoors (away from buildings, trees, electrical lines, and bridges).


* Teach family members how to turn off gas, electricity, and water.


* Teach children how to dial 911 in an emergency.


* Have disaster supplies on hand (flashlight and extra batteries, battery operated radio, fist aid kit with manual, emergency food and drinking water, non electric can opener, cash, sturdy shoes).


* Develop an emergency communications plan in case family members are separated.





And after the quake:


* Be prepared for aftershocks. They may cause additional damage for hours to months after the main shock.


* Help injured or trapped persons within the limits of your abilities.


* Listen to a battery operated radio or television for emergency information.


* Check on the elderly and disabled, or children who may need special help.


* Stay out of damaged buildings!


* Use the telephone only for emergency calls.


* Clean up spilled materials.


* Open cabinet and closet doors cautiously.


* Inspect chimneys for damage, and be extremely careful when lighting fires in fireplaces. Chimney damage may lead to fires.


* Check utilities for damage. If you smell gas, turn off the gas and do not use electrical devices (including telephones). Stay away from broken electrical wires, and turn off the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If water pipes are damaged, do not use the toilet and avoid tap water for drinking. Use your emergency supply, and melt ice cubes for additional water.