Kara and Andrew slideshow
Commissions
Jordan slideshow
CM Update
 a person standing next to a fire

City Council 
 Video camera

Past meeting videos 
Watch live
 Calendar Upcoming meetings 
 Help Get help through our app 
Talk to a person, M-F 442-339-2820

City headlines

Earthquake preparedness

Post Date:04/14/2025 12:29 PM

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 5.2-magnitude earthquake occurred near Julian on Monday, April 14, that was felt across San Diego County.  

Aftershocks can be expected, and now is a good time to prepare.  

Secure items around your home  

  • Secure any items that might fall down or be thrown during earthquakes.  

Form a family emergency plan 
Talk with your family, including your kids, about what to do if an emergency strikes. Some topics to cover are:  

  • How will we get emergency alerts and warnings?  

  • How will we get to safe locations during an emergency?  

  • Where will we meet after an emergency and how will we get there? 

  • How will we get in touch if mobile device, internet or landline doesn’t work? 

  • How will we let loved ones know we are safe? 

  • What is our plan for our pets? 

Assemble an emergency supply kit 
Plan to be self-sufficient for 72 to 96 hours. Prepare a complete emergency supply kit to ensure you have what you will need. Some items to include are: 

  • A three-day supply of nonperishable food and water, as well as a way to open it 

  • An “important stuff” list, including contact information for family and service providers, such as insurance companies 

  • A first aid kit that includes needed medications 

  • One change of clothes/shoes per person 

  • Flashlights with extra batteries 

If you assembled your emergency supply kit last year, check it and bring it up to date.  

Stay informed
Register to receive emergency alerts to your cell phone at Alert San Diego. You can also download the Genasys Protect app to subscribe to alerts related to evacuations and other emergency instructions based on specific zones or neighborhoods.  

What to do during an earthquake 
In most situations, if you feel shaking or get an earthquake alert, here’s what you should do:  

  • Drop onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling objects. 

  • Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. 

  • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter. 

  • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall.  

  • Stay on your knees to protect vital organs.  

  • Hold on until the shaking stops.  

  • Hold onto your shelter with one hand and be ready to move with it if it shifts.  

More resources are available on the city’s emergency preparedness webpage with a list of potential hazards.  

If you're taking the SPRINTER or COASTER, check North County Transit District's webpage for precautions and impacts.

Return to full list >>