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Earthquake Ready

Earthquakes are unpredictable and can cause major disruptions to daily life. While large earthquakes are not common in San Joaquin County, they can still cause damage in our area. Tremors from Bay Area earthquakes are often felt along the western parts of the county, especially near Tracy, Mountain House, and Lathrop.

Residents should also remember that earthquakes can happen anywhere in California, and you may experience stronger shaking while traveling outside of San Joaquin County. Even if an earthquake does not strike here directly, our county may play an important role as a staging area for emergency supplies or as a shelter location for people affected by a large earthquake in nearby regions.

All community members who live, work and play in San Joaquin County should be prepared and know where to find reliable information and resources before an earthquake occurs.

Earthquake Warning California: Download the MyShake App

The MyShake App is part of Earthquake Warning California, the nation’s first statewide earthquake warning system. This system, managed by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), uses a network of ground motion sensors across the state to detect earthquakes before people can feel them. These early warnings can give residents a few crucial seconds to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” before shaking starts.

The MyShake App is a free smartphone app that provides both audio and visual alerts to help Californians take protective action. Alerts are sent for earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or greater and for shaking measured at Modified Mercalli Intensity III (weak) or higher.

The app is available for download on both Apple App Store and Google Play.

Before an Earthquake

Before the next big earthquake strikes, taking time to prepare can make all the difference. Planning ahead helps protect you, your family, and your workplace and makes it easier to recover quickly once the shaking stops. Take these 7 steps to help ensure that your loved ones, coworkers, and community are better prepared to stay safe, stay connected, and recover faster when the next earthquake strikes.

  • Step 1: Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
  • Step 2: Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
  • Step 3: Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
  • Step 4: Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
  • During
  • During the next big earthquake, and immediately after, is when your level of preparedness will make a difference in how you and others survive and can respond to emergencies:
  • Step 5: Drop or Lock, Cover, and Hold On when the earth shakes, or you get an alert.
  • Step 6: Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured, and preventing further injuries or damage.
  • Step 7: Restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage, and rebuilding community.

During

During an earthquake, it’s important to stay calm and take quick action to protect yourself. Earthquakes strike without warning, and the first few seconds of shaking are the most dangerous.

If you feel shaking, stop where you are and protect yourself immediately. The safest response is to Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking stops.

  • Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over.
  • Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk or use your arms if nothing is nearby.
  • Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.

Stay where you are until it is safe to move. Be ready for aftershocks, which can happen within minutes or hours of the main earthquake.

If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines, and streetlights. Once in a clear space, Drop, Cover, and Hold On until the shaking ends.

If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a safe area away from bridges, overpasses, and power lines. Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.

After an Earthquake

Once the shaking stops, be ready for aftershocks! They can occur minutes, hours, or even days after the main earthquake. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and carefully check your surroundings. Earthquakes can leave behind hidden dangers, so move slowly and think before you act. Your safety comes first.

Once You Are Safe:

  • Check yourself and those around you for injuries. Provide first aid if needed and call 911 for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
  • Watch for hazards such as broken glass, sharp objects, and debris that could cause cuts or falls.
  • Use caution around damaged walls, ceilings, or furniture that may collapse or shift unexpectedly.
  • If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the area immediately and report it to your utility company or call 911. Do not light matches, smoke, or turn on electrical switches.
  • Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume they are live and report them immediately to 911 and your utility provider.

If you are indoors, check for structural damage before deciding to remain inside. Move to a safe area if the building appears unstable.

Stay informed by listening to official updates from the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services (OES), local government, or trusted news sources. Use a battery-powered radio, smartphone alerts, or social media for reliable emergency information and instructions.

If it is safe to do so, check on your neighbors, especially older adults, people with disabilities, or anyone who may need extra help. Supporting one another helps our community recover more quickly and safely.

A couple taking cover under the table in their living room during an earthquake.

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