(In light of the Nepal Earthquake last week, this seems like a good time for a refresher on earthquake safety. And look! I have one from another earthquake last year.)

California residents in the Napa area got a rude awakening early this morning when an earthquake of roughly magnitude 6.0 shook the valley. It jolted folks awake (and jolted the already-awake folks) at around 3:20 am Pacific time. So far, a few homes have been destroyed by the fires that broke out afterward, and a few people have been critically injured, but no deaths have been reported. From what I’m reading, there seem to be a lot of minor injuries caused by things like broken glass. There’s plenty of damage to buildings, and a lot of wine cellars will be lighter, considering how many bottles fell and broke in the shaking, and there will be a lot of repair work to be done. But California folks are tough. They’ll get through it.

Earthquakes like this remind us we need to stay on our toes. There’s no way to predict them, and even in an area as earthquake-prone and heavily monitored as California, there are at best a few seconds’ warning before the shaking starts. So before we get to talking about which fault’s at fault, let me just give you a few quick reminders about earthquake preparedness and safety:

• Get your kit together now, before a disaster happens.
• Have a plan.
• Know what to do. Read that Red Cross pdf. Right now, I’m happy to wait.

Okay, for those who will never read the pdf, here are the main points, quoted directly for truth:

• Drop, cover and hold on. Move as little as possible. [Do NOT get under a doorway. Choose something like a table. If you don’t have sturdy furniture to get under, stay near an interior wall that hasn’t got things that can fall on you.]
• If you are in bed, stay there, curl up, and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow.
  Stay away from windows.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use stairs rather than an elevator.
• Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.

If you’re outside, the rules are a little different:

• Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights). [Let me repeat: STAY AWAY FROM THE BUILDINGS. Lotsa glass, bricks and other bits falling. Do not want.]
• If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses, and power lines if possible. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Then, drive carefully, avoiding bridges and ramps that may have been damaged.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.
• If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.

And, I would like to add, if you’re by the beach: the instant the shaking stops, get to higher ground. Find a safe route up and out, especially if you see the tide suddenly go way out.

What happens afterward? What should you do when the shaking stops? Go read the pdf right now, okay? I want you guys to know, before it happens, so that you minimize your chances of getting hurt. But they key points are paraphrased here, because repetition helps you remember:

• Repeat the drop-cover-hold drill every time you feel an aftershock. And there will be aftershocks.
• See to your injuries first, then help others.
  Protect yourself from broken glass, splintered boards, and other hazards with sturdy clothes, shoes and gloves.
• Check your home for damage and get everybody out if it’s not safe.
  Remember that radio in your emergency kit? Use it to listen for updates and instructions.
• Check your phones for dial tone. Call to report life-threatening emergencies, but otherwise, try to keep the lines clear for those who need them most.
• Check for fires, put ’em out if you can, get emergency services on it if you can’t.
• If it’s safe to do so, clean up any spills of flammable liquids asap.
• Be careful opening closets, cabinets and other doors – stuff probably shifted.
  Help each other. Look out especially for the kids, the elders, and the disabled folk.
• Watch for damaged infrastructure that could hurt you: downed power lines, broken gas lines, etc. Avoid damaged areas.
• Keep your pets leashed or otherwise under control.
• Is a building damaged? STAY OUT.
• If you were away from home, wait for the all-clear before you go back. Check the whole house for possible damage. Get out if anything looks unsafe.
• Drive carefully and remember that things like traffic lights might not be functional.

And do be mindful of your surroundings as you’re getting you, yours, and your community in order. Keep alert, remember to watch your step, but also pay attention to what’s beside and above you so crap doesn’t fall on you, and do your best to make it out intact. You can do it!

All right, that’s it for our public service announcement. Next, we’ll inquire as to which fault’s at fault. I should have that up for you a bit later today.

Stay safe, my friends in seismically-exciting locations!