Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media, in partnership with Listos California, hosted a statewide ethnic media briefing aimed at enhancing awareness around earthquake preparedness. Coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, this initiative seeks to empower communities across California with essential knowledge and resources to ensure safety before, during, and after seismic events.
Key Highlights of the Briefing
The briefing covered crucial topics, including:
- Participation in the Great ShakeOut drill on October 17, a nationwide earthquake preparedness event that encourages people to practice safety protocols.
- Insights into earthquake science and the risks associated with seismic activity, including statistical projections and historical data relevant to California’s unique geographical challenges.
- An overview of California’s first-in-the-nation Earthquake Early Warning System, which includes the MyShake App for timely alerts, providing residents with crucial seconds to prepare.
- Introduction to Listos California’s multilingual resources, which are designed to enhance outreach and education regarding earthquake preparedness across diverse communities, ensuring that all Californians have access to vital information.
Featured Speakers and Their Contributions
- Sonya Harris, Senior Advisor, Listos California
Sonya highlighted the critical need for multilingual outreach in disaster preparedness. She underscored that effective communication is key to ensuring that diverse communities can access and understand earthquake preparedness resources. By tailoring materials to various languages and cultural contexts, Listos California aims to engage individuals from all backgrounds. Sonya also shared success stories from previous outreach initiatives, demonstrating the positive impact of accessible resources in raising awareness and preparedness levels among ethnic communities. - Amy Palmer, Deputy Director of Crisis Communications and Public Affairs, California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
Amy discussed the importance of proactive communication strategies during disasters. She emphasized that timely information dissemination is crucial to public safety, particularly during emergencies like earthquakes. Amy detailed Cal OES’s commitment to leveraging various communication channels to reach Californians effectively, including social media, traditional media, and community partnerships. She encouraged community organizations to collaborate with state agencies to amplify outreach efforts, ensuring that everyone receives critical safety information. - Jose Lara, Chief of the Seismic Hazards Branch, Cal OES
Jose delivered an engaging segment on the upcoming Great California ShakeOut drill, scheduled for October 17th at 10:17 a.m. He stressed that this drill serves as a vital reminder for Californians to prepare for earthquakes by knowing how to respond effectively during seismic events. The key actions—”drop, cover, and hold on”—are essential for ensuring safety during an earthquake.- Tour Goals: Lara elaborated on the goals of the statewide tour leading up to the drill, which includes stops in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. Each location aims to reach diverse communities, particularly those who may be less familiar with earthquake preparedness. The tour will kick off at the University of California San Diego, focusing on students and young adults who may not have extensive experience with seismic events. By engaging younger demographics, the initiative hopes to influence their families and communities to prioritize earthquake preparedness.
- Experiential Learning: At each stop, the tour will feature an earthquake simulator, providing a realistic experience of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake. This hands-on tool allows participants to comprehend the severity of shaking and reinforces the importance of knowing how to respond. Jose shared personal anecdotes from past events, noting how participants often compare the simulator’s experience to real-life earthquakes they’ve endured, such as the Northridge quake. This shared experience drives home the necessity of preparation and proactive safety measures.
- Myths and Education: In addition to raising awareness, the tour aims to dispel common myths surrounding earthquake safety, especially within ethnic communities. Jose recounted his own experiences growing up in Mexico, where he learned to evacuate during tremors. However, he explained that California’s robust building codes are designed to withstand seismic activity, making it safer for individuals to “drop, cover, and hold on” rather than seeking immediate exits. This shift in guidance reflects modern understanding and research, aligning safety practices with the structural realities of contemporary buildings.
- Community Engagement: Jose emphasized the importance of community involvement in fostering a culture of preparedness. He called for all attendees to participate in the Great ShakeOut drill, educate themselves and others, and develop muscle memory for decisive actions during an earthquake. By engaging communities and fostering discussions around preparedness, Cal OES aims to ensure that all Californians are equipped to protect themselves during seismic events.
The California Earthquake Early Warning System
The briefing also highlighted California’s pioneering Earthquake Early Warning System, which is designed to provide critical seconds of warning before an earthquake strikes. Launched by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019, the system has significantly evolved, enhancing its accuracy and speed in delivering alerts.
- MyShake App: A vital component of this alert system is the MyShake app, which facilitates immediate communication of earthquake warnings to users. Millions of alerts have been distributed statewide, underscoring the importance of this technology in saving lives. Officials envision a future where this system not only alerts individuals but also automatically triggers safety measures in infrastructures—such as halting factory assembly lines or shutting down turbines on dams—before the shaking begins.
Ongoing Disaster Preparedness Initiatives
Recent efforts to enhance disaster preparedness in California were also discussed, including the updated Disaster Ready Guide, which now includes essential tips for handling extreme heat and wildfire smoke. This guide has been distributed through community-based organizations, with over 600,000 copies disseminated this year.
- The guide has been streamlined for user-friendliness, ensuring that information is not only useful but also easily digestible for all audiences.
Comprehensive Online Resources
The state has made strides in ensuring that residents are informed and equipped to deal with various emergencies through its online platform. Citizens can access a wealth of resources, including:
- Free Alerts: The MyShake app allows users to set a home base within a specified area (10 km x 10 km) to receive earthquake alerts while addressing privacy concerns and battery conservation.
- Local Emergency Alert Systems: Each county in California has its own emergency alert system, ensuring that residents stay updated on relevant local hazards. The state’s commitment to quality control means that users can rely on accurate and timely alerts.
- Multilingual Resources: Resources are translated into 14+ languages and include indigenous videos, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Engaging the Community
A critical component of these initiatives is engaging youth in disaster preparedness conversations. Strategies are being developed to incorporate children into these discussions, ensuring they understand the importance of being disaster-ready while also making the process enjoyable. Resources are available to keep kids engaged, allowing parents to focus on critical conversations about preparedness.
Call to Action
To ensure all Californians are aware of the resources available, the community is encouraged to visit Listos California for more information. The platform is designed to keep residents informed and prepared, offering tools for community organizations to enhance their outreach during events.
These initiatives reflect California’s proactive approach to disaster readiness, focusing on community feedback and engagement to refine resources and strategies. With the collaborative efforts of various state agencies and community organizations, Californians are better equipped to face the challenges posed by natural disasters. The aim is not just to prepare but to foster a culture of safety and resilience throughout the state.
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